Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Thursday 13th March 2025, at 16:50hrs
A significant drug operation has been disrupted in Burnley after Lancashire Police seized cannabis plants with an estimated street value of half a million pounds.
Officers executed a warrant at a property on Trafalgar Street yesterday, uncovering a large-scale cannabis cultivation operation.
The raid, conducted under Operation Warrior, resulted in the seizure of a substantial quantity of cannabis plants.
A 29-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of permitting a property to be used for the supply of drugs.
He has since been released under investigation as inquiries continue.
Lancashire Police acknowledged the common public sentiment surrounding cannabis, addressing potential criticisms in their statement.
“We know that we will likely get the same comments… ‘They’re just plants, they shouldn’t be illegal…’ ‘Go and arrest real criminals…’ ‘Liked and shared, hope I win…'” the statement read.
However, the force emphasized the serious implications of cannabis cultivation within the community. “BUT, they are illegal and the cultivation of cannabis can have a major impact on our communities. From dangerous wiring and the electricity being bypassed, to links to modern slavery and organised crime groups, cannabis, although to some is ‘just a plant’ can have devastating effects and we will not tolerate it in our town.”
The dangers associated with cannabis farms, including fire hazards from bypassed electricity and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals through modern slavery, were highlighted as key concerns.
Police reiterated their commitment to tackling organized crime and ensuring community safety.
Operation Warrior, an initiative aimed at disrupting and dismantling criminal activity in the region, continues to target drug-related offences and associated crimes.
The investigation into the Trafalgar Street operation is ongoing, and Lancashire Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
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