Greater Manchester: Albanian gang ran £9M drugs ring

The Greater Manchester Police operation was aimed at tackling what the force calls “Albanian organised crime groups” linked to growing cannabis and money laundering across the region.

The probe also involved other forces from across England and Wales, designed to identify the gang’s key players and help those who have been exploited and forced to live and work on cannabis farms.

Raids were carried out in the Tameside area (Image: GMP)

Detective Inspector Paul Crompton, of GMP Serious Organised Crime Group, said: “Hardened criminal gangs, involved in some of the most serious and heinous crimes, use the production and sale of cannabis as a fundamental part of their criminal enterprises.

“I understand that people have varying views on cannabis, but I would urge people who view it as just a bag of weed to think twice about the wider implications and the exploitation and violence that is undeniably linked to the cultivation of cannabis.”

More than 50 arrests were carried out (Image: GMP)

The 10,000 cannabis plants seized came to a street value of around £9million, while officers also seized around £24,000 in cash.

In total 53 people were arrested, predominantly for cultivation of cannabis and abstracting electricity, but a series of other offences including money laundering, possession of drugs with intent to supply and possession of weapons.

Millions of pounds worth of cannabis was uncovered (Image: GMP)

DI Crompton warned that cannabis production can often be linked to other forms of criminality.

He said: “Cannabis farms also place innocent members of the public at risk.

“The amount of energy required for a cannabis farm means the criminals bypass the electricity supply to avoid paying for it.

Police forces across the country were involved (Image: GMP)

“This causes a significant fire hazard to those who are forced to live and work there, but also the unassuming, innocent members of the public in neighbouring properties.

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“This was an intelligence gathering mission which successfully disrupted a significant number of criminal networks.

“These gangs can’t operate under the radar forever and this intensive crack down will continue.”

Anyone with any further information or concerns can call police on 101 or 999 in the event of an emergency.

Alternatively, witnesses can contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.