Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Home Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Andrew Stephenson Excerpts
Monday 9th February 2015

(9 years, 10 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Mike Penning Portrait Mike Penning
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An increase in number of one, probably. I do not agree at all with the chief constable of Durham. I have told him so and I will continue to tell him. Drugs are a scourge in our society and we must do everything we can to crack down on them.

Andrew Stephenson Portrait Andrew Stephenson (Pendle) (Con)
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20. On 28 August, I spoke to a resident at my advice surgery who had concerns about a property near their home being used as a cannabis farm. I relayed those concerns to the police and a raid took place on 10 September. Some 627 cannabis plants were found, conservatively estimated to be worth £250,000. Will my right hon. Friend join me in commending the work of Lancashire police, in particular the ongoing Operation Regenerate, which is targeting organised criminal gangs and drug dealers in my area?

Mike Penning Portrait Mike Penning
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I am aware of Operation Regenerate: it is a fantastic scheme, which forces around the country are trying to replicate. The seizure will mean fewer drugs on our streets, particularly the most abhorrent types of drugs that are affecting our constituents. At the same time, the money that was going to be in criminal hands is now in the Treasury.