In an operation targeted at disrupting organised crime groups (OCGs) involved in cannabis cultivation across the South West, Avon and Somerset Police have seized over three million pounds worth of cannabis and arrested 20 people in relation to crimes linked to the illegal cultivation of the plant.

Avon and Somerset Police joined all five police forces and Police and Crime Commissioners in the South West and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) as part of Operation Scorpion, the region's ongoing work to target and disrupt organised crime groups harming our communities through drug supply. This phase of the enforcement supported a national campaign run across all 43 forces in England and Wales, led by the National Police Chief's Council.

Collectively across the South West, £6.8 million worth of cannabis was seized, along with a number of weapons including a 9mm pistol, 67 arrests were made and 58 warrants and searches carried out on premises suspected to be cultivating cannabis or linked to organised crime.

Cannabis cultivation is frequently linked to serious and organised criminal networks, who engage in a broad range of criminal activity such as class A drug importation, exploitation, human trafficking, and serious violence.

Chief Superintendent Ben Moseley from Avon and Somerset said: "Throughout this operation, we have had one clear focus, and that has been to target criminals who are destroying lives and fuelling crime and violence.

"We do not tolerate these organised crime groups in our region, and by identifying, targeting and dismantling large cannabis farms, we are able to prevent more serious crime, and protect those vulnerable to being exploited by this."

In Avon and Somerset our officers:

• Seized 6,368 cannabis plants (357kg) worth an estimated £3.25 million
• Carried out 20 warrants on properties believed to be used for growing cannabis
• Made 20 arrests, with 6 people charged for offences related to illegal drug activity, and 9 still under investigation
• Seized a number of bladed weapons

Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford, said: ""This operation continues to go from strength to strength. We collectively continue to make our communities safer by targeting the criminals bringing drugs and violence to our region as well as protecting the vulnerable they seek to exploit as workers or as users of the drugs they supply.

"This operation has seen a huge effort by all five regional forces working to ensure the South West is no place for drugs and this work will continue."

Officers discovered an industrial-scale cannabis factory in Bristol with more than 2,500 plants with an estimated street value of £1.25 million.

Another report was made to officers in Southmead, Bristol which led to the discovery of over 100 cannabis plants being cultivated in the upstairs of a property belonging to a lady in her 70's. The woman was believed to be a victim of 'cuckooing', in which a vulnerable person is taken advantage of for use of their home in criminal activity.

Other warrants led to cannabis farms being discovered in Weston-Super-Mare, Wells, Chipping Sodbury and Bridgwater.

Anyone with any information or concerns about a potential cannabis factory or drug dealing can contact Avon and Somerset Police by calling 101 or making a report online. In the case of an emergency or crime that is currently taking place, always call 999.

Alternatively, people can report any information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.