£306,000 in cannabis seized and five people charged in Suffolk Police crackdown

More than £300,000 in cannabis was seized during multiple raids across Suffolk as part of a national crackdown on organised crime.

Suffolk Police executed six warrants, arrested seven people and charged five, leading to about 1,453 cannabis plants being taken, alongside six kilograms of packaged drugs.

Criminal networks disrupted included drug-dealing rings, money laundering and other violent offences.

Officers worked alongside the Eastern Regional Special Operations Unit and other partner agencies for the operation.

In total, over £306,000 worth of product was seized.

A spokesman for Suffolk Police said the crackdown was designed to take out a major source of revenue for organised criminals while gaining intelligence about how they operate.

Detective Inspector James Cassedy said teams had been working tirelessly to target and disrupt organised cannabis distribution across the county.

“It has resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of drugs and has significantly disrupted the viability of organised criminal groups who seek to maintain their criminal enterprises in the county,” he said.

“Cannabis production is often just one strand of their criminal operations and often these groups are involved in Class A drug importation, modern slavery and wider violence and exploitation.

“We have also gathered a significant amount of data which will help focus our future efforts in tackling organised crime groups and safeguarding those at the greatest risk of harm.

“We will continue to work closely with our communities to tackle the illicit drug trade in Suffolk. This is not something limited to periods of action but takes place 365 days a year, with various operations and specialist teams set up to detect and detain those responsible.

“Any information the public can provide in disrupting criminality such as this is vital. Please continue to be vigilant and report any concerns to us.”

Suffolk Police is urging the public to report anyone they suspect is involved in cannabis supply.

Signs a property may be using to grow include frequent visit during unsociable hours, blacked out windows, bright lights throughout the night, electricity metres being tempered with, a sweet aroma, condensation on windows during cold weather and an ‘excessive amount’ of plant pots, fertiliser and compost.

Tim Passmore, Suffolk’s police and crime commissioner, said he was pleased to see both regional and national clampdowns on drug-dealing.

“Drugs are the scourge of society and I certainly do not agree with any relaxation of the law around cannabis as there are proven links between serious crime and illegal cannabis cultivation.

“Drug crime is not something that one police force can deal with in isolation, so I am pleased to see Suffolk working with the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit to target this.

“This partnership working is essential and I would stress how important each of us are in this partnership. Cannabis factories are often set up in residential neighbourhoods so if you suspect any signs of criminal behaviour please report your suspicions to the constabulary.”