Staffs Detectives Lead Multi-Force Drugs Op

Wed, 08 September 2010 Courtesy of: Staffordshire Police

Eight men suspected of being involved in large scale production of cannabis have this morning (8 September) been arrested by Staffordshire detectives.

It follows a five-month investigation as part of Operation Nemesis, the force’s highly successful and ongoing crackdown on drug dealers.

Warrants were executed between 6am and 7am at six addresses - five houses in Staffordshire and the West Midlands, and a farm in Lincolnshire.

“we are grateful for the support we have had from our colleagues in Lincolnshire”

All seven men were arrested at their home addresses on suspicion of conspiracy to produce cannabis:

• a 34-year-old man from the Burntwood area of Staffordshire

• a 45-year-old man from the Rugeley area of Staffordshire

• a 44-year-old man from the Burton area of Staffordshire

• a 40-year-old man from Solihull, West Midlands

• a 45-year-old man from Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands

• a second man from Sutton Coldfield, aged 26

• a 59-year-old man from the Grantham area of Lincolnshire

. a 33-year-old man from Minworth, West Midlands, arrested in Staffordshire

The Staffordshire Police-led investigation involved more than 40 officers and specialist staff from the force, including financial investigators.

They were supported by more than 20 officers and specialists from Lincolnshire Police, whose efforts will focus on a search and forensic examination of the farm, where thousands of cannabis plants and associated cultivation equipment was discovered.

Searches took place all morning at the addresses concerned. As well as at the farm in Lincolnshire, officers found cannabis being grown at two residential addresses - one near Burton and one in Sutton Coldfield. Three vehicles and thousands of pounds in cash have also been seized.

Det Ch Insp Jane Hewett, of Staffordshire Police said: “Today’s arrests mark yet another success for Operation Nemesis which, we believe, has thwarted a large scale, illegal cannabis growing enterprise.

“Officers from our Serious and Organised Crime Unit have worked tirelessly to plan this morning’s operation, and we are grateful for the support we have had from our colleagues in Lincolnshire.

“It sends another clear message to people who are foolish enough to even think of dealing in drugs in Staffordshire: you will not get away with it.

“Investigations such as this often reveal criminals with lavish lifestyles funded by their drug dealing, which is why our specialist financial investigators are already on the case. They are experts in working out where criminals’ money and assets come from, and have a national reputation for using the Proceeds of Crime Act to strip offenders of every pound possible.”

All eight men will be detained and questioned at police stations in Staffordshire.