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UK: World Cup drugs ring is smashed

Oliver Evans

Blackburn Citizen

Thursday 20 Apr 2006

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POLICE have uncovered a Blackburn cannabis factory which officers
believe was gearing up to supply this summer's football World Cup.

Six other homes in Hyndburn were raided yesterday morning where police
made seven arrests for cannabis and cocaine offences and for the supply
of counterfeit currency.

No-one was arrested at the mill premises in Eden Street, Blackburn,
which police said was a "commercial skunk cannabis operation".

Officers believe the cannabis would have found its way to the World Cup
in Germany in June.

It followed an investigation by Lancashire Constabulary's Serious and
Organised Crime Unit and involved undercover officers.

A leading police officer today said the raids, which also took place in
Accrington and Clayton-le-Moors, "clearly demonstrates the resolve of
the police to target those who peddle drugs".

The police struck between 8.30am and 9am yesterday morning.

Those arrested include two men aged 35 from Accrington, a 58-year-old
man from Blackburn, a 38-year-old man and a 49-year-old man both from
Clayton-le-Moors.

A further two men were arrested later in the morning in Accrington.

A statement from Lancashire Constabulary said: "Earlier today officers
from across Lancashire executed warrants at several addresses in
Accrington, Blackburn and Clayton-le-Moors where five people were
arrested for various offences relating to the importation and supply of
cocaine, the commercial production of skunk' cannabis and the intention
to supply counterfeit currency.

"The arrests resulted from an investigation by Lancashire Constabulary's
Serious and Organised Crime Unit into the supply of cocaine and
amphetamine in the Accrington and Oswaldtwistle areas and involved the
use of undercover police officers.

"A search was also conducted at a mill premises on Eden Street in
Blackburn, where a commercial skunk' cannabis enterprise was in
operation. Police believe that, once harvested, this crop was intended
for distribution at the World Cup in Germany thi summer."

Sadek Sidat, who owns SAS Chair Frame next door to the drug plant, said:
"It is a shock, it is not good. It is quiet over here, especially in the
evening so it is not something you expect."

Detective Inspector Dermott Horrigan of the Serious and Organised Crime
Unit said: "These arrests should serve as a warning to those who are
tempted to get involved in the importation, cultivation or supply of drugs.

"Whilst it may seem to be a way of making easy money, it is only a
matter of time before we come calling at the door. This investigation
clearly demonstrates the resolve of the police to target those who
peddle drugs within our communities."

 

 

 

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