Cannabis factory linked to organised crime raided

A “drugs factory” linked to organised crime and people trafficking, and producing more than £250,000 worth of cannabis, has been raided by police.

South Yorkshire Police said officers entered a commercial premises in Thorne on 22 November where they found 235 cannabis plants and a drying room containing about £20,000 worth of the drug.

One man seen escaping through the roof was arrested and charged with production of a controlled Class B drug after police cut through two metal roller shutters using a chainsaw.

Doncaster East Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector Alison Carr said the operation was linked to organised crime groups “who have absolutely no place in our society”.

She said: "They are responsible for spreading fear, violence and terror in our communities, and by disrupting their supply of drugs, which funds further criminal activities, we can limit their influence and dismantle their operations.

"These cannabis cultivations are also linked to modern slavery, as they are known to exploit vulnerable people who are forced to commit to looking after these grows.

"That is another reason why we need people to keep reporting any suspicions they have around cannabis grows to police so we can act and deliver justice."

The premises was divided into eight growing rooms spread across two floors, with living quarters including a single bed, toiletries, a stove and a well-stocked fridge.

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