Drug raids across South London in organised crime crackdown on ‘modern slavery cannabis farms’

A series of drug raids took place across South London this morning in a crackdown on an organised crime gang allegedly using victims of modern slavery to operate cannabis farms.

Officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA) carried out raids in Rochester Way in Blackheath, Turnham Road in Lewisham and Old Kent Road in New Cross.

It follows an operation in April 2022 where the NCA uncovered a huge cannabis farm operating out of an industrial unit in Stroud, Gloucestershire. 

Officers found three suspected victims of modern slavery, all Vietnamese nationals, working at the premises.

(Video: National Crime Agency)

Approximately 500 cannabis plants were recovered and destroyed. They would have had a street value in excess of £400,000, according to the NCA.

Those arrested today are suspected of setting up cannabis farms and trafficking victims between them to work. They remain in custody being questioned.

In Blackheath, a 58-year-old was man arrested on suspicion of cannabis production, modern slavery offences and possession of cocaine. A 46-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.

In Lewisham a 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of cannabis production and modern slavery offences and a 59-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of immigration offences

NCA Senior Investigating Officer Neil Gardner said: “Our investigation has uncovered a criminal network we believe to be involved in setting up cannabis farms, and staffing them with the victims of modern slavery and human trafficking.

“Three individuals have already been safeguarded, but it is likely there were more victims we don’t yet know about.

“These types of criminal gangs exploit others for profit, pure and simple.

“Modern slavery is often difficult to tackle because the victims don’t always recognise they are being exploited, which is why we need the public’s help.

“I’d ask anyone who sees something they don’t feel is right to report it. It might be someone seeming afraid, vulnerable or controlled, moved around against their will. These are all signs of exploitation.”

Anyone with suspicions about modern slavery should contact police on 101 or the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121700.

Pictured top: NCA officers carried out raids in Rochester Way in Blackheath (Picture: NCA)