In what is being hailed as the “most significant” operation in UK law enforcement history, police have successfully seized approximately £130m worth of cannabis as part of a nationwide crackdown. Operation Mille, a month-long effort, targeted organised crime groups (OCGs) operating across England and Wales.
During the series of coordinated raids that took place throughout June, officers uncovered over 180,000 cannabis plants. In addition to the substantial cannabis seizure, law enforcement also seized 20 firearms, £1m worth of cocaine, and £636,000 in cash. The operation’s objective was to unearth and disrupt OCGs involved in various criminal activities.
Steve Jupp, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Serious and Organised Crime, emphasized the success of the operation in disrupting significant criminal activity. He highlighted the direct connection between cannabis production networks and other serious crimes, such as the importation of class A drugs, modern slavery, and acts of violence and exploitation.
“The intelligence gathered will also help inform future law enforcement activity across the country,” Jupp added.
Operation Mille involved the coordination of a thousand search warrants, resulting in searches and arrests in all counties across England and Wales. The operation saw the collaboration of local police forces, Regional Organised Crime Units (ROCU), the National Crime Agency, and Immigration Enforcement.
The primary objective of Operation Mille was to disrupt OCGs by targeting a major source of their revenue and apprehending those involved. A total of 967 individuals were arrested for various offences, including cannabis cultivation, money laundering, and weapons offences. Of these, over 450 individuals have since been charged.
Jupp emphasized that while cannabis-related crimes are often considered “low level,” there are clear patterns of exploitation and violence used by OCGs to protect their illicit enterprises. Furthermore, cannabis production is frequently just one aspect of their broader criminal activities that negatively impact communities.
The success of Operation Mille not only disrupts the criminal operations of numerous OCGs but also enhances law enforcement’s understanding of their involvement in other criminal endeavours. The operation serves as a significant blow to organised crime and sends a strong message that such activities will not be tolerated in the UK.
Law enforcement agencies remain committed to ongoing efforts to dismantle and disrupt organised crime networks, safeguarding communities and ensuring the safety and security of the public.
