October 22, 2010 10.01 am This story is over 161 months old

Police closer to dismantling crime group

Raids: Police are a step closer to bringing alleged members of an organised crime group to justice.

Lincolnshire Police say members of an organised crime group will soon face justice, following two raids carried out in Lincoln on October 21.

The raids were aimed at cracking an alleged money laundering set-up that cleans dirty drugs money from cannabis farms across the city.

Officers executed two warrants, one at a house in the south of Lincoln, and one at a city centre shop, recovering cash, mobile phones and financial documents.

Four people were arrested on suspicion of various offences, including money laundering and illegal immigration.

A 35-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of money laundering offences, and three men (22,33,42) were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.

It is believed some of these alleged suspects are behind the cleaning of the profits through a seemingly legitimate city business.

“Clearly we are at a very early stage of criminal proceedings and it is difficult for me to go into a lot of detail on these potential offenders,” said Det Sgt Nick Clark.

“We hope the work we are doing in this area sends out the message that we are fighting organised crime and the production of drugs in this city and that we are making progress.”

Since July 2010 Lincoln officers have shut down a total of eight cannabis farms, recovering hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of drugs.

In August officers raided a house in Lincoln and recovered £40,000 in cash, and police are now calling for people to come forward and aid their investigations.

“We need the public’s cooperation in this area — your information can be vital to us,” explained Clark.

“Do you know of anyone who is producing or selling drugs in Lincoln and the surrounding villages? Please call us and help to get to grips with this issue.”

Source: Lincolnshire Police | Call Lincolnshire Police on 0300 111 0300 | Photo: GMP