Three men have been arrested in raids on three cannabis farms police believe could be linked to human trafficking in Glasgow.
Detectives targeted three addresses across the north of the city on Monday morning as part of an ongoing, intelligence-led investigation into human trafficking and organised crime.
Three men were taken into custody on suspicion of drug offences, one at each location, and officers believe the cultivation operations are potentially linked to wider human trafficking networks.
“We found widespread cannabis cultivation growths within those domestic dwellings – so your typical houses and flats within Glasgow – we’re finding multiple grow areas, and quite a sophisticated setup,” detective inspector Christopher Hughes from the National Human Trafficking Unit for Police Scotland said.
STV News“It can be any space within the house itself, you’re looking at loft spaces, cellars or basements, bedrooms or living rooms – and that’s very typical of what we’re seeing here today.”
The operation forms part of a larger, multi-divisional inquiry that has been active across Scotland since August 2024.
While those arrested are currently suspects in the investigation, police say it’s too early to determine whether they are perpetrators or victims of exploitation.
“The people who are within the cannabis cultivations themselves can be victims of human trafficking and forced into criminality, often due to debt bonding or similar methods,” said DI Hughes.
“Often they come to the UK for a better life, only to be exploited within these types of situations.
“So although these people are suspects and ultimately may be accused, it’s too early to say at this stage of the investigation to say what their status will be.”
Authorities say setups like the ones uncovered today are “typical” and reflect the strategies often employed by criminal organisations, namely placing a single individual in a property to avoid drawing attention.
No other individuals were discovered at the premises during Monday’s operation.
Officers are urging the public to remain vigilant and say anyone who notices suspicious activity or smells cannabis coming from a residential address should contact Police Scotland on 101.
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