British police have seized more than 5.6 tonnes of cannabis in what is thought to be biggest cannabis haul ever made by the Metropolitan Police.
The seizure, valued at £12 million Stg (€17.52 million), was he result of a joint operation by the Metropolitan Police Service's specialist projects team, its covert policing unit and British Revenue and Customs.
At 5.6 tonnes and valued at £12 million, this was the largest seizure of cannabis ever made by the Metropolitan Police
Seven men and two women were arrested in connection with the seizure. Both women and six of the men were all arrested early this morning at various locations across London and taken to central London police stations for questioning.
The seventh man, a 43-year-old, was arrested later in Essex. Police hailed the operation as a significant victory in their bid to combat serious and organised crime in the capital.
Assistant Commissioner Tarique Ghaffur, head of the Met's Specialist Crime Directorate, said: "Undoubtedly this large seizure of cannabis was destined for London and had the potential to create serious harm to our communities.
"I would like to congratulate the teams for the tremendous success they had had during this operation."
Detective Superintendent Jim Dickie, from the projects team which led the operation, said: "The MPS and HM Revenue and Customs have worked together in order to stop the flow of drugs into the UK and dismantle organised criminal networks that are involved in the supply in London.
"This co-operation has led to the largest single seizure of cannabis in London ever and will have a major impact on the market in the capital."
PA