In a recent raid in Wells as part of a larger regional operation, Avon and Somerset Police have made significant headway in disrupting cannabis cultivation, seizing drugs worth £3.25 million and arresting 20 individuals linked to its production.

The local constabulary partnered with other South West forces and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit in a mission named Operation Scorpio, aimed at targeting and dismantling organised crime groups. The operation aligns with a nationwide campaign led by the National Police Chief's Council and participated by all 43 forces across England and Wales.

Across the South West region, police apprehended 67 people and confiscated cannabis worth £6.8 million, along with several weapons.

Avon and Somerset Chief Superintendent Ben Moseley emphasised the often ignored connection between cannabis cultivation and severe organised crime. This includes a multitude of illegal activities, such as class A drug trafficking, exploitation, human trafficking, and serious violence.

He 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."

Within the Avon and Somerset areas, the police force seized 6,368 cannabis plants, valued at £3.25 million. They executed 20 warrants on properties suspected of being used for growing cannabis. The operation resulted in 20 arrests, with six individuals charged for drug-related offences and nine under investigation. Officers also confiscated several bladed weapons.

Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Shelford said: "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."

In April, police attended an address in Wells High Street and found over 200 suspected cannabis plants and various items of equipment associated with the illegal cultivation of the drug.

Apart from Wells, cannabis farms were also unearthed in Bristol, Weston-super-Mare, Bridgwater and Chipping Sodbury. One farm in Bristol was found to house more than 3,500 plants.

The operation's successful outcome, according to Chief Superintendent Moseley, significantly hampered these criminal networks by cutting off illicit income streams, revealing patterns of exploitation, and exposing other dangerous criminal activities.

He added, "Intelligence gathered throughout this operation will mean we are better placed than ever to target those involved."