Operation Scorpion - February 2025 - Tackling cannabis production by organised crime gangs

Between 17 and 21 February, police forces across the South West carried out a major crackdown on large-scale cannabis cultivation.
During this time there were 32 property searches (warrants), 36 people were arrested and 2,240 cannabis plants were discovered and destroyed and £57,335 cash was recovered. In addition 246g of cocaine, 500g and 32 wraps of ketamine, over 20 Nitrous Oxide (NOS) cannisters, 6 knives, 1 firearm, 1 BB gun, 1 axe and 1 electrocution device were seized.
The action formed part of Operation Mille, a national intensification effort targeting organised crime groups involved in large scale cannabis production. The operation coincided with a regional collaborative effort marking the 11th time that Devon & Cornwall Police, Avon & Somerset Police, Dorset Police, Gloucestershire Police, Wiltshire Police and the South West Organised Crime Unit (ROCU) have joined forces to disrupt drug gangs and dealers operating in the region.
Our video is from a warrant served on a nondescript residential address in Tedburn St Mary, acting on intelligence received from a member of the public...no snow on the roof when all other houses did have a covering.

Signs of large-scale cannabis production include:
• An increase in visitors and cars to a property at unsocial times
• Secretive behaviours with windows covered inside, day and night
• An unusual degree of security on a residential property
• Trailing cables, electrical installations running off street lighting
• Heavy condensation on windows even in warm weather
• A pervasive distinctive smell
• Bright light at all times of day, from windows, lofts, or garages

If you suspect illegal drug activity is happening where you live, bringing with it antisocial behaviour, violence and exploitation of vulnerable people, don't put up with it in your community: please report to the police.
Call 101 or report online at www.devon-cornwall.police.uk
If you wish to remain completely anonymous you can use Crimestoppers, an independent charity, by reporting online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ or by calling 0800 555 111.
If anyone is in immediate danger call 999.