MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 26th January, 2023) The National Crime Agency (NCA) of the United Kingdom has apprehended a criminal group in London suspected of using victims of modern slavery to operate cannabis farms, the agency's press office said on Wednesday.
"Officers from the National Crime Agency have carried out a series of raids across London as part of an investigation into an organized crime group suspected of using victims of modern slavery to operate cannabis farms. Three men were arrested this morning (Wednesday 25 January) on suspicion of modern slavery, human trafficking and cannabis production offences," the NCA said on the website.
The NCA said that those arrested are suspected of setting up cannabis farms, and trafficking victims between them to work. They remain in custody and are being questioned.
The agency added that the recent operation follows an operation in April 2022, when NCA officers uncovered a huge cannabis farm operating out of an industrial unit in Stroud, Gloucestershire. According to the statement, the agency's officers then found "three suspected victims of modern slavery, all Vietnamese nationals, working at the premises." The agency added that 500 cannabis plants worth some 400,000 Pounds ($496,000) have been recovered and destroyed.
London police have earlier detained 170 people in the UK's capital in a three-day raid targeting criminal groups. The police seized 30 weapons, including 30 knives, 40 drugs, 66 cars, and 5,700 pounds in cash.
