Two people believed to be victims of modern-day slavery forced to work for organised criminal gangs have been found in Somerset. During a drugs bust at an industrial unit police found three people hiding in a squalid attic space above a cannabis grow.
Police across the South West have been collaboratively working under Operation Mille to tackle the increasing threat of crime groups and the illegal drug supply. Across Somerset in February, a zombie knife, over £57,000 in cash and thousands of cannabis plants were seized by police in a crackdown on organised crime.
Avon and Somerset Police carried out a search at an industrial warehouse in Wellington on Wednesday, February 12, where 424 cannabis plants were found. Three men hiding in squalid conditions in the attic space. The three suspects, in their 20s, 30s and 40s were arrested at the scene on suspicion of being concerned in the production of a class B drug.
All three were taken into police custody before being bailed after interview. Two of the individuals have been referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) as they appeared to be victims of modern slavery, police said.
Acting Detective Chief Inspector Matthew Lloyd, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: “This operation has demonstrated, once again, what we can achieve as a region when police forces take a united stand against drug supply and related serious crime and exploitation.
“Organised crime knows no bounds or borders. It requires a robust response from our intelligence and operational teams to make the South West of England as hostile an environment as possible for drug criminals.
“By dismantling cannabis farms and disrupting supply chains, we are making significant headway in our fight against serious organised crime and protecting our communities from harm.
“These kinds of cases can be incredibly complex: in Wellington, although the suspects were arrested on suspicion of being involved in a criminal enterprise – illegal drug production and supply – they could also be victims and therefore extremely vulnerable.
“If you suspect drug activity or cannabis cultivation locally, I can’t overestimate the importance of reporting what you know. The intelligence you provide, no matter how big or small, can help us bring perpetrators to justice and safeguard vulnerable people caught up in criminal activities.”
In Shepton Mallet, cannabis saplings were seized from an industrial unit. A 28-year-old man, of no fixed address, was charged and remanded in custody for the production of a class B drug.
The man was also found to be in possession of keys to a flat in Yeovil. The property was searched under Section 18 and further cannabis plants, a quantity of cash and a weapon were recovered.
In Bristol, two people in their 40s, were arrested and 34 cannabis plants were seized from a property in St Annes. Also, in central Bristol, two bladed weapons including a zombie knife, NOS cannisters and a quantity of cannabis was seized from another property.
During a targeted vehicle stop in Wincanton, a man in 20s was arrested and a quantity of suspected class A drugs was seized. A property, believed to be linked, was searched under Section 18 and a large quantity of suspected class A drugs and cash were seized.
Four men all in their 20s were arrested. The five men have since been bailed as police continue to investigate.
Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Clare Moody said: “I’m encouraged by the positive outcomes the police achieved through this operation. The actions taken have made sure people in communities across our area are safer.
“I’d like to thank everyone who came forward with vital information, enabling the police to target those responsible for these crimes – sharing information is vital for the police to be effective and proactive. Although you may not always receive updates, please be assured that your contributions make a difference and help officers to catch and charge individuals involved in crime.
“This work also helps to prevent vulnerable people from being drawn into organised crime. As well as this successful police operation, I’m grateful to the services I commission who work alongside the police, playing a critical role in supporting those at risk of harm or exploitation, offering opportunities for people to rebuild their lives and to stay safe.”
Across the UK, police forces carried out 346 property searches and made 225 arrests. Nationally, police seized more than 45,000 cannabis plants worth an estimated street value of £45,746,000, 59 weapons which included 14 firearms, and more than £183,000 in cash.