Mass cannabis crackdown in Kent: 40 arrested, £3.5m in plants seized
Police smash massive cannabis farm network
More than 40 people have been arrested in Kent after police raided organised crime groups behind huge cannabis farms. Officers swooped on 30 locations last June, confiscating over 7,000 cannabis plants worth around £3.5 million.
Operation Mille targets criminal empires
The nationwide Operation Mille aims to bring down gangs involved in large-scale cannabis growing. These networks don’t just peddle weed — they’re linked to serious crimes including modern slavery, street violence, and exploitation of vulnerable youngsters.
Kent Police warn of wider dangers
Detective Chief Superintendent Lucy Morris, Deputy Head of Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said:
“Organised crime drives much of the violence, exploitation and anti-social behaviour that blights communities across the UK. Industrial cannabis growing is not a victimless crime — it fuels importation of class A drugs, human trafficking, and child exploitation.”
She added the farms also risk the lives of those forced to work inside and endanger nearby homes due to electrical dangers, fire hazards, and water damage.
Police urge public to report suspicious activity
DCS Morris stressed that neighbours and landlords are often the first to spot trouble:
“If you notice a strong smell, windows constantly covered, or unusual visitors at odd hours, it’s crucial to pass on information to the police early. Working together helps us tackle cannabis farms before serious harm occurs.”
Intelligence from these raids will also help police understand and dismantle these networks across Kent and beyond.
