Watford men and teen arrested in cannabis factories crackdown

Three people from Watford were taken into custody, including a 14-year-old boy, during a nationwide month of action targeting drugs supply.

Men from Abbots Langley, Rickmansworth and Borehamwood were also among 27 people arrested across Hertfordshire, of which 10 have been charged.

Herts Police seized 3,249 cannabis plants as forces nationwide aimed to execute more than 1,000 warrants.

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Detective Chief Inspector Dave Skarratts said: “This month of action has been a great opportunity to target organised crime gangs that are running cannabis production sites across the county.

“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.”

Two locals were among the 10 Hertfordshire residents charged in the operation.

Mahdi Taymoori, 26, of Trefusis Walk, Watford was charged with being concerned with cannabis cultivation.

Glenn Armstrong, 42, of Tylersfield, Abbots Langley, was charged with possession with intent to supply class B drugs.

Two people from Watford, aged 14 and 31, and a 32-year-old from Rickmansworth were arrested on suspicion of being concerned with cannabis cultivation.

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

Chief Insepctor Skarratts added: “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 antisocial behaviour and violence that is associated with this type of crime.”