Hundreds of cannabis plants seized by police in drugs blitz
Raids were carried out over three days, targeting industrial-scale cannabis farms run by organised crime gangs.
The swoop was part of Operation Mille, a national effort to tackle illegal grows, and Cumbria Constabulary's Operation Alliance with overall aims to bust serious and organised crime.
Cops stormed properties in Workington and Seascale, shutting down drug factories.
Detective Superintendent Ian Hussey said these cannabis farms are no small-time operations: 'Some people may think cannabis-related crime is not serious.
'But some of the grows uncovered by our officers in Cumbria during their duties and investigations throughout the year are on an industrial level.
'This type of drugs enterprise in general can also involve exploitation and violence, with crime gangs using this to protect their cannabis grows.
'People should be under no illusion that serious and organised crime groups operate in Cumbria.
'It is these groups who are behind the industrial levels of cannabis growth grown in the sort of premises we target all-year-round.'
He urged the public to be on high alert and report suspicious activity.
Telltale signs of a cannabis farm include:
Strong, sickly odours coming from a property
Windows constantly covered
Excessive security measures like CCTV
Condensation on windows
A high number of visitors at odd hours
Bright lights running all day and night
The constant hum of ventilation
DS Hussey added of the dangers these illegal operations pose: 'Cannabis farms are very dangerous places and pose a serious risk of fire.
'Often the electricity meter has been bypassed - and seriously overloaded electrical circuits run close to water-filled pipes.
'Plants grown upstairs in a building can also cause floorboards to rot, presenting the danger of collapse.'
READ NEXT: Men arrested after moped theft
Do you have information that can help the police?
Anyone with information can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it.
You can also phone on 101.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Yahoo
Man's body found in outback river
A man's body has been found in a river in outback Queensland. The 43-year-old was found unresponsive in the Nicholson River near Doomadgee at about 1.15pm on Sunday. He was soon declared dead. A Queensland Police Service spokesman said the man was last seen in Doomadgee five days before his body was located. 'Police are urging anyone with information or anyone who saw the man between August 5 and 10 to contact the Doomadgee Police Station on 4742 9090 or call Crime Stoppers,' police have said. Doomadgee is about 2180km northwest of Brisbane, and is located 140km the Northern Territory border. It is mostly an Aboriginal community with an estimated population of 1380 people.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Bus driver attacked in Wisconsin, police searching for suspects
MILWAUKEE, Wis. (WFRV) – Police say they are searching for two suspects who allegedly attacked a bus driver in Wisconsin following an argument on a July afternoon. According to a release from the Milwaukee Police Department, officers responded around 4:50 p.m. on July 27th for reports of a battery incident on the 3400 block of South 27th Street. 41-year-old Green Bay man formally charged in connection to fatal 2023 west side shooting Officials say two suspects, believed to be women aged either 18 or 19 years old, got into an argument with a bus driver before spraying the driver with OC spray and leaving the scene on foot. The first suspect is said to be 5'3″, weighing about 100 pounds, with a dark complexion, large-framed glasses, and long braids. She was reportedly last seen wearing a blue 'Ice Cube' T-shirt, light colored shorts, and black Crocs. The second suspect is described as being 5'3″, weighing 100 pounds, also with a dark complexion and long braids. She was said to be last seen wearing a black t-shirt with 'Spider' print, black shorts, and pink Crocs. Anyone with any information about the incident or the suspects is asked to contact the Milwaukee Police Department or remain anonymous by contacting Crime Stoppers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
The horrific rise in violence against women and girls linked to sporting events
A new campaign has been launched to tackle the horrific trend of increased violence against women and girls during and after major sporting events. Crimestoppers, the independent charity giving people the power to speak up and stop crime is behind the campaign and is encouraging people to report the vile abuse. Recent statistics and reports from frontline services have shown that incidents of domestic abuse and gender-based violence spike around the time of significant sporting occasions. READ MORE: Bolton MP Kirith Entwistle co-chairs new Labour VAWG group New scheme helping domestic abuse victims in Bolton a success Bolton: Victim calls for domestic abusers' register •During the 2024 UEFA European Championships, police in England and Wales recorded 351 football-related domestic abuse incidents, almost double the figure from the previous tournament. •Additional research indicated a dramatic association between alcohol-fuelled celebrations (or disappointments) and violent incidents. On days when England won, there was a 47 per cent rise in alcohol-related domestic abuse. These events, while a source of national pride and community, can also act as triggers for harmful behaviours in some individuals, putting women and girls at greater risk. Lydia Patsalides spokesperson for the charity Crimestoppers said: 'Sport should unite and inspire us, and for the most part it does. But we cannot ignore the well-documented rise in violence towards women and girls that coincides with major fixtures. These are not isolated incidents - they represent a national issue that affects communities across the UK.' The new campaign encourages the public to recognise the signs of violence and use Crimestoppers anonymous reporting service to speak up safely if they are concerned about someone's wellbeing. Crimestoppers is also working with sporting bodies, law enforcement agencies and support charities to spread awareness, challenge harmful attitudes, and promote prevention strategies at every level. A spokesman said: "If you see something say something. By speaking up – 100% anonymously – you could help save lives. No tip is too small, and your voice is vital."
