Vulnerable people in Aylesbury used by drug gangs to grow cannabis farms

Today over 200 officers from Thames Valley Police have executed 11 warrants to target an organised criminal gang who we believe have been growing cannabis and also supplying it in the Thames Valley.
Some of the drugs seizedSome of the drugs seized
Some of the drugs seized

Within their operation Thames Valley Police say they also believe criminal gangs have been using vulnerable people to cultivate cannabis in factories in Aylesbury.

Thames Valley Police said: "This morning we have targeted six properties in Aylesbury and arrested five people and found four suspected cannabis factories.

"We have also carried out four warrants in Reading. Where we have made eight arrests and recovered a number of electronic items."

Thames Valley Police have had a busy day as part of their Operation StrongholdThames Valley Police have had a busy day as part of their Operation Stronghold
Thames Valley Police have had a busy day as part of their Operation Stronghold

Another warrant was carried out in Wantage, Oxfordshire where officers seized a large quantity of cash and arrested two people.

TVP added: "As part of this operation we have been looking to safeguard any vulnerable people who might have been the victim of modern slavery type offences. As such we have a reception centre running to provide support to those who need safeguarding and have been working with local agencies to offer this support."

Detective Inspector Richard Jarvis, said: “Thames Valley Police is committed through its Stronghold campaign to tackle serious organised crime and exploitation by working with our partners.

“Today we have executed a number of warrants in order to tackle a potential criminal network who we believe have been using vulnerable people to grow and distribute cannabis in the Thames Valley.

“As such we have carried out a number of warrants in order to arrest those who we believe are responsible and also safeguard any vulnerable people.

“We have worked with our partners at Reading Borough Council and the National Crime Agency (NCA) to make sure that anyone who has been exploited is supported.”

“Thames Valley Police will continue to target those who seek to cultivate and sell drugs for their own gain.

“This has been a complex investigation and we would like to thank the public for the intelligence they have provided. Only with this information can we continue to build up information and carry out operations like the one today.

“We would ask the public if they have information please report to 101 or if they wish to report 100% anonymously they can do so by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”