Operation Mille exposed a £3 million illegal operation between 17 February and 21 February, officers in all four districts in South Yorkshire executed 17 drug warrants – resulting in over 3,000 cannabis plants being seized and 13 people arrested.
A total of 3,281 plants were seized across the week. Each plant is estimated to be worth approximately £1,000.
The plants have been seized and will be destroyed.
An early morning raid at a property on Townhead Road, in Dore, Sheffield, resulted in over 500 plants being confiscated.
Sadik Sula, 24, of no fixed address and Renato Vrapi, 26, of no fixed address, have been charged with acquiring, using and possessing criminal property and producing a controlled drug – cannabis.
Barnsley officers discovered a sophisticated grow on Bartholomew Street, in Wombwell. Spread across the property’s loft, cellar and two bedrooms, containing approximately 300 plants and a man was detained at the scene.
Dung Tran Phu, 35, of Bartholomew Street, is also charged.
Detective Chief Inspector Samuel Blakemore said:
“We know that cannabis cultivations are often linked to organised criminality and exploitation of vulnerable people. It is important that people are aware of the connection between drugs and violent crime.
“Part of the purpose of this week of action has also been to gain valuable intelligence about those facilitating these criminal enterprises.
“We will continue to work with our communities to tackle this problem. I would urge the public to report any concerns to us. Remember to look out for the signs that a property is potentially being used for illegal activity. With your help we can develop a greater intelligence picture and executed more warrants across South Yorkshire.”
The operation was coordinated regionally by the Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit (YHROCU).