Major drugs haul
Last updated April 28, 2009
£1m drugs haul seized in Wiltshire
As part of an on-going drugs operation (Operation Scarlet) conducted by the Wiltshire organised crime team, based at Gablecross, three men were arrested over the weekend.
Cannabis skunk with a street value of over £1 million and £20,000 cash has been recovered and police have also raided reinforced buildings at an isolated farm near Swindon.
Discovered at the farm buildings was a fort lift truck, shrink wrapping equipment and other drugs related items.
During the operation a van was stopped on the M4 where £150,000 worth of cannabis skunk was seized. A 44-year-old kitchen fitter from Kent was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs.
A 40-year-old unemployed man was arrested at his home in Swindon and approximately £1,000 worth of cannabis skunk and £900 cash seized.
A 51-year-old builder from Hampshire was arrested at the isolated farm when he arrived driving a van from which was seized
£1million worth of cannabis skunk.
All three men were taken to Gablecross police station where they were interviewed in connection with the matter.
Following interview Stephen Charles Docking, a 44-year-old kitchen fitter from Kent, Michael George Woodage, a 51-year-old builder from Hampshire and Nigel John Hyland, a 40-year-old unemployed man from Swindon, were charged with conspiracy to supply controlled drugs and have been remanded in custody to appear before Swindon Magistrates Court today.
Detective Chief Inspector Bob Hamlin, leading the investigation, said: "This is a major and on-going investigation and is probably the second largest operation of its kind in Wiltshire.
"I am appealing for anyone with any information to contact us on 0845 408 7000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be left anonymously. As people have now been charged it is not appropriate for me to provide any further details at this stage."