27 people arrested in Hertfordshire cannabis factory raids

The month-long, nationwide operation targeted cannabis production by organised crime groups, with more than 30 warrants carried out and 3249 cannabis plants seized across the county.

A total of 27 people were arrested, with the following 10 charged:

• Sulo Asimetas, 23, of Bunkers Lane, Hemel Hempstead charged with being concerned with cannabis cultivation
• Mariglen Bani, 23, of Bunkers Lane, Hemel Hempstead charged with being concerned with cannabis cultivation
• Anastasi Sina, 37, of Ashwood Road, Potters Bar, charged with being concerned with cannabis cultivation
• Jamie Long, 34, of Hare Street, Buntingford, charged with being concerned with cannabis cultivation and possession of a firearm
• Huy Quang, 32, of Hare Street, Buntingford, charged with being concerned with cannabis cultivation
• Glenn Armstrong, 42, of Tylersfield, Abbotts Langley, charged with possession with intent to supply class B drugs
• Elsi Cela, 22, of Station Road, Sawbridgeworth, charged with being concerned with cannabis cultivation
• Shadrach Allen, 42, of Cade Close, Letchworth, charged with being concerned with cannabis cultivation
• Mahdi Taymoori, 26, of Trefusis Walk, Watford, charged with being concerned with cannabis cultivationThe raids were part of a nationwide, month-long operation. (Image: Herts police)

Those arrested were:

• A 48-year-old man from Ware on suspicion of being concerned with cannabis cultivation
• A 31-year-old man from Royston on suspicion of being concerned with cannabis cultivation
• A 29-year-old man from Royston on suspicion of being concerned with cannabis cultivation
• A 14-year-old boy from Watford on suspicion of being concerned with cannabis cultivation
• A 32-year-old man from Hertford on suspicion of being concerned with cannabis cultivation
• A 28-year-old woman from Hatfield on suspicion of being concerned with cannabis cultivation
• A 62-year-old man from Hatfield on suspicion of being concerned with cannabis cultivation
• A 22-year-old man from Hatfield on suspicion of being concerned with cannabis cultivation
• A 32-year-old woman from Buntingford on suspicion of being concerned with cannabis cultivation
• A 45-year-old man from Borehamwood on suspicion of being concerned with cannabis cultivation
• A 32-year-old man from Borehamwood on suspicion of being concerned with cannabis cultivation
• A 31-year-old man from Watford on suspicion of being concerned with cannabis cultivation
• A 59-year-old man from Waltham Cross on suspicion of being concerned with cannabis cultivation
• A 32-year-old man from Rickmansworth on suspicion of being concerned with cannabis cultivation
• A 45-year-old man from Borehamwood on suspicion of being concerned with cannabis cultivation

All have been released as investigations continue, while a woman was released with no further action, a man from Watford was cautioned and a man from Knebworth was given a community resolution.

"This month of action has been a great opportunity to target organised crime gangs that are running cannabis production sites across the county," said Detective Chief Inspector Dave Skarratts, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Local Policing Command.

"We’ve seized thousands of plants along with growing equipment, as well as arresting many of those involved in the production and distribution of cannabis.

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"We conducted more than 30 warrants, which is going to make a major impact on cannabis supply and organised crime groups in Hertfordshire.

"We take a very proactive approach, working with our partners in other forces and national agencies to target these crime groups.

"This operation also provides a chance to raise awareness of cannabis farms, which can appear anywhere in the county and pose a danger to those living nearby, either as a fire or electrical risk or from anti-social behaviour and violence that is associated with this type of crime."