CANNABIS farms with a value of almost £2million have been pulled apart as 25 people were arrested in a clampdown against illegal drug supply in East Lancashire.
More than 50 drug factories have been located and dismantled after concerns were raised over dealing and cultivation by people in Nelson.
Concerns about vulnerable people being exploited by drug rings were also expressed by people living in amongst and witnessing the criminality.
Since the launch of Operation Rockwell earlier this year, over 2500 plants equalling 100 kilos of cannabis have been located and destroyed from across 50 different farms.
Det Insp Martin Melvin, from the East Exploitation Team, said: “I am pleased we have managed to secure further charges as part of this extensive and complex investigation.
“We are committed to tackling and disrupting drug-dealing activity and protecting vulnerable members of society.
“This operation was launched directly on the back of concerns raised by members of the public and I would encourage anyone concerned about criminal activity in their area to contact the police, knowing that we will act on that information and take the appropriate action.”
In total 25 people have been charged including four people who were arrested yesterday, Tuesday, in a series of dawn raids where officers were accompanied by Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden.
He said: "This type of activity is exactly what is needed to disrupt organised crime gangs and to tackle the problems they cause here in Lancashire.
"Not only are these set-ups extremely dangerous and pose serious fire hazards for surrounding homes and residents, but these gangs also exploit vulnerable people and children to farm and distribute drugs for their own gain.
"It's fantastic to see these drugs taken off our streets and I will continue to work with the Constabulary to take the fight to criminals and to make our neighbourhoods safer."
Anyone with concerns about drug-dealing or any other criminal activity in their area can call police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted, in confidence, on 0800 555111 or online at crimestoppers.org
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