A joint police operation targeting organised crime in Suffolk and Norfolk has led to 160 arrests and the seizure of cannabis worth more than £8 million since February.
The big picture: Operation Orbit, launched by Suffolk and Norfolk constabularies, aims to make both counties hostile territory for organised crime groups (OCGs). The operation has achieved a 65% charge and remand rate.
Why it matters: Drug gangs are increasingly using rural areas with cheaper rents to produce cannabis on an industrial scale before transporting it to major cities, in what police call an "inversed county line model".
By the numbers:
£8 million worth of cannabis seized
£350,000 in cash recovered
160 arrests made
65% charge and remand rate
25kg of cannabis seized in a single Great Yarmouth operation
Between the lines: The operation isn't just about drugs. Police say OCGs are:
Damaging historic buildings to create cannabis farms
Conducting dangerous, unauthorised roadworks
Involved in human trafficking and exploitation
Targeting vulnerable young people
What they're saying: "We have seen first-hand the impact that this criminality can have in our communities, ranging from the destruction of our historic buildings, which are gutted and damaged to facilitate criminality, through to entire roads and pavements being dug up," Detective Chief Inspector Tom Pearse said.
The bottom line: Police credit their success to public tip-offs, intelligence-based policing and frontline officer commitment. They're urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
How to help: Signs of cannabis farms include:
Constantly covered ground-floor windows
Window condensation
Unusual security camera installations
Suspicious roadworks
Strange odours
Regular visits outside business hours
You should report suspicious activity on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
