Cannabis cultivation becoming more common for UK OCGs

A significant proportion of organised crime groups (OCGs) within the UK are now engaged in the commercial cultivation of cannabis, which continues to pose a substantial risk to the country as a whole.

The previous trend was for OCGs to produce, import and cultivate ‘harder’ drugs such as cocaine and heroin, which traditionally operate with higher profit margins.

However, a threat profile conducted by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) has indicated OCGs are further diversifying into commercial cultivation.

It has been known for a number of years that Vietnamese OCGs have been active in commercial cultivation, but the latest report highlights the trend of sites increasingly being controlled by white British groups, some of which force Vietnamese nationals to cultivate the crops.

However, the majority of identified offenders are white British men aged between 25 and 34.

“Many offenders are local established suppliers, often living at the address. Previous profiles have often highlighted the role of South East Asian OCGs in cannabis cultivation. Crime data currently shows a decline in their activity, but intelligence returns and operations suggest that South East Asians continue to play a significant role,” the report concluded.

The NPCC concluded OCGs involved in cannabis supply frequently distribute other drugs and that there is a continued link between commercial cultivation and modern slavery.

“Increased violence has been attributed to those involved in the cultivation of cannabis, including aggravated burglaries and ‘taxation’ of rival gangs,” it said.

The profile identifies that over ninety per cent of cannabis farms are set up in residential dwellings, with offenders controlling a number of sites, often across large geographical areas.

On average, a quarter of a million plants – with an estimated street value of over £62 million – are seized by officers annually.

NPCC Lead on Cannabis, Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Bill Jephson, said the police service is focused on removing criminals who cultivate the drug.

“Tackling the criminals at the source of wholesale cannabis cultivation remains a key priority for us. The report highlights the links with violence, class A drugs and other serious criminality, including human trafficking and modern slavery,” he said.

“Possessing, growing or selling cannabis is illegal. The police have a wide variety of powers at their disposal to tackle criminal activity involving cannabis and will not hesitate to do so where it is in the public interest.”