A MAN from Bolton has been charged after two cannabis farms worth more than £150,000 were found in Lancashire. 

On Monday police were sent to a property off Wakefield Road in Bispham after being told a cannabis factory was in an industrial unit.

A warrant was executed and around 300 cannabis plants with an estimated street value of £150,000 were recovered, with police making several arrests.

Following further enquiries police later raided an address in George Street, Blackpool, where a second cannabis grow of 100 plants was found.

Six men and two 16-year-old boys were taken into custody.

And four men and the two teenagers are due to appear at Blackpool Magistrates' Court today, Wednesday. 

Among them is a 43 year-old man, who faces two charges including human trafficking. 

Thanh Nguyen, 23, of Pennington Road, Great Lever, was charged with being concerned in production of cannabis.

Detective Sergeant Steve Montgomery, of the Blackpool Criminal Exploitation Team, said: “These raids follow a major investigation by police in Blackpool targeting human trafficking and cannabis production offences.

“This operation has been ongoing since July and has resulted in a number of arrests and the recovery of a significant amount of cannabis.

“We are committed to tackling drugs supply and exploitation of all kinds and we continue to work proactively to put an end to modern slavery.

“We welcome any community intelligence that may help to identify addresses where drugs supply and modern slavery may be taking place.

"If you suspect suspicious activity is taking place, please let us know.

"We take all reports seriously and will investigate thoroughly."

Here are details of the five other people who are set to appear in court today:

- Ha Ngo, 43, of Ansdell Road, Blackpool, was charged with arranging or facilitating travel of another person with a view to exploitation and being concerned in production of a controlled drug of Class B - cannabis.

- Phan Hai Nam, 23, of no fixed address, was charged with being concerned in production of a controlled drug of Class B - cannabis.

- Hung Nguyen, 27, of no fixed address, charged with being concerned in production of a controlled drug of Class B - cannabis.

- A 16-year-old boy, of no fixed address, as charged with being concerned in production of a controlled drug of Class B - cannabis.

- A 16-year-old boy, of no fixed address, as charged with being concerned in production of a controlled drug of Class B - cannabis.

A 61-year-old man from Cleveleys and a 33-year-old man from Fleetwood have been released under investigation.

Det Sgt Steve Montgomery added: “Human trafficking can also be a part of modern slavery as a person is moved from one place to another.

"This could be country to country, town to town, or even as simple as one room in a building to another.

"Even if a victim agrees to be moved, trafficking could still be taking place.

“Unfortunately, few people understand modern slavery and many confuse it with ‘migrant working’ or ‘illegal immigration’.

“Victims are generally living in fear.

"They don't fully understand what's happening to them and comply with their abusers in hiding the reality.

"We will continue tackling this issue and want to put an end to human trafficking and modern slavery in Lancashire.”

The investigation was led by officers from the Blackpool Criminal Exploitation Team, supported by Blackpool Task Force working with Blackpool Neighbourhood Police, the Blackpool vulnerability team and Blackpool Council.

Lancashire Constabulary is committed to investigating offences of human trafficking committed against victims of any nationality.

There are a number of ways you can contact someone for help.

You don’t have to speak directly to the police there are charities that can help you.

You can also ring some services anonymously; you do not have to give your name or go to court or give a statement.

For advice and support for victims and those with suspicions, please call the modern slavery helpline on 08000 121 700 or visit lancashire.police.uk/modernslavery.