Police dismantle cannabis farms in Hampshire
Early morning raids were carried out at six grow sites
Last updated 23rd Apr 2026
More than half a million pounds worth of cannabis plants have been seized after a month-long operation by police in Hampshire.
The targeted warrants unearthed six illegal cannabis grow sites in Southampton, Farnborough and Aldershot.
Officers seized an imitation firearm, over ten thousand pounds of cash, ten mobile phones, thousands of cannabis plants and processed cannabis ready for street supply.
Car wash sites were also visited as part of the operation to crackdown on illegal immigration, modern slavery, and human trafficking offences.
Specialist officers carried out a valuation of just one harvest, estimating the illegal grows to be worth more than £234,000.
The early morning raids were executed following intelligence reports from the local community, with one property being identified after engineers attended the location to carry out routine work and noted a strong smell of cannabis.
Ten people in total were arrested as part of the operation, eight have now been charged, while two men were safeguarded as suspected victims of human trafficking.
Detective Inspector Christian Reid Milligan who led the coordinated operation said: “These latest successes are a result of intricate and painstaking work by numerous teams across the force, and I would like to thank them for their efforts which have paid off immensely.
“Executing warrants linked to cannabis cultivation is something our officers carry out regularly as part of our work to protect communities and target organised crime. By targeting cannabis cultivation, we’re cutting the issue off at the source. Without activity like this, these plants would be harvested, processed and disseminated in our community fuelling criminality, anti-social behaviour and the appalling violence we see when drug gangs feud over territory.
“Cannabis farms are not victimless. They are often linked to other criminality, including serious violence, anti-social behaviour and the exploitation of vulnerable people, who are frequently forced to live and work in unsafe and inhumane conditions.
“These properties are also at significant risk of fire due to illegal electricity bypasses and other dangerous modifications. That risk can extend to neighbouring homes, putting innocent members of the public in serious danger.
“In addition to the work of our officers, it’s the information received from members of the public that informs our activity. I would like to encourage the community to continue to tell us what you know and raise the alarm when things don’t seem right. With your support we’re ridding our community of illegal drugs and apprehending those fuelling it.”