Hundreds of cannabis plants seized in drugs raids

Police have seized about 500 cannabis plants in raids around Devon and Cornwall and 13 people have been arrested for drug supply offences.

Officers also found 22lb (10kg) of cannabis, 3.5oz (100g) of cocaine and 1.7g (50g) of crack cocaine as well as £10,500 in cash during the raids, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

The raids, from 17 to 21 February, were part of a joint operation with forces in Avon and Somerset, Dorset Police, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and the South West Organised Crime Unit.

Assistant Chief Constable Jim Pearce, of the Devon and Cornwall force, said: "Behind these operations lies a much larger network of organised crime which brings significant harm and disruption to our communities."

Mr Pearce said: "Cannabis farms are often linked to anti-social behaviour, violence and other drug-related activities.

"Many of those forced to run these groups are vulnerable individuals, often victims of human trafficking and exploitation.

"Organised crime groups prey on these people for financial gain and with little regard for their well-being."

In one raid, police seized more than 100 cannabis plants which were being grown in a bungalow at Tedburn St Mary in Devon.

Officers said they were alerted to the cannabis factory by a member of the public.

Authorities during the operation also seized four vehicles used in drug supply, an imitation firearm, a large zombie-style knife, a hammer and a knuckleduster.

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