The suspected head of an organised crime group, that have been running cannabis farms across the country, has been arrested.
The National Crime Agency has confirmed that they suspect the man, in his 50s, used smuggled migrants to work for the operation. He was arrested after a bust at an address in Prestatyn, North Wales, on Monday, May 23.
A second man, in his 60s, was arrested at another address in Prestatyn, while a third man, from Albania, 28, was arrested by Cheshire Police on the M6. All three were arrested on suspicion of conspiring to cultivate and distribute cannabis and money laundering.
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During searches connected to yesterday’s arrests, officers discovered two RIBS (rigid inflatable boats), quantities of cash, crack cocaine and cannabis and drugs paraphernalia associated with cannabis farms.
Detectives believe that the crime group has links to a Western Balkans OCG which facilitates the illegal entry of Albanian nationals into the UK. It's thought that once in the country, the migrants then work in cannabis farms.
As part of the investigation three cannabis farms were previously discovered with Albanian migrants working there. They were in Blackpool, Lancashire; Leigh, Greater Manchester, and Prestatyn.
Officers are now appealing for information to trace two men who may have information about the ongoing investigation. Jeton Memia, 29, who has links to Manchester and Southend in Essex, is wanted by the National Crime Agency.
Officers are also appealing for information to trace Trevor Williams, 61, of Ruthin, North Wales. NCA operations manager Julie Booker said: "This is a complex investigation into organised crime groups that have been running cannabis farms across the country and facilitating illegal migrants into the UK to work in them. We are appealing for information to help trace two men who we want to speak to as part of our investigation.
"We believe these arrests will have significantly disrupted the crime groups and their ability to operate. Anyone with information should contact the NCA Control Centre on 0370 496 7622 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
