Five cannabis factories shut down in East London

Metropolitan Police says it raided five addresses across Havering, Redbridge and Barking and Dagenham, resulting in more than 300 cannabis plants, drug cultivation equipment and over £10,000 in cash being seized.

Police say the warrants were carried out over the course of a week, which started on October 12.

All drugs and equipment have now been removed from the addresses.

Detective Inspector Dean Grafton, of the East Area Command Drugs Focus Desk, said: “The production of drugs, especially Cannabis, is a key driver in both serious and organised crime. It has clear links to violence, weapons and criminal exploitation.

“The violence suppression unit, drugs focus desk and our neighbourhoods policing teams are committed to working with our borough partners to eliminate cannabis factories and the violence associated with them.

“Working together, we are acting on information provided to us by the public and partner agencies to target those involved in this illegal activity that has a hugely detrimental effect on the quality of life for the law-abiding community.

“This operation, code-named ‘Operation Brancaster’, marks the beginning of an ongoing continuous schedule of activity challenging and disrupting the production and supply of illegal drugs across the tri-borough area.

“I urge anyone who has information relating to drug cultivation or supply to contact us without delay. If you don’t want to speak directly to us, call Crimestoppers anonymously, but please do make that call and help us to remove drug dealers from your area.”

• A 38-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis, abstracting electricity and criminal damage. He was taken to an east London police station and is currently on police bail to return on a date in late November.
• A 35-year-old male was arrested on suspicion of production and supply of cannabis. He was taken to an east London police station and is currently on police bail to return on a date in late November.