Three cannabis farms have been found during police raids which were carried out following an investigation into human trafficking and modern slavery.

Metropolitan Police executed eight search warrants this morning (Wednesday, March 31) in Borehamwood, Barnet and Wandsworth with assistance from officers from the Met’s Territorial Support Group (TSG).

It comes after a proactive operation focused on crimes related to human trafficking and criminal exploitation by a well-established Organised Criminal Network (OCN).

Three male victims found at the addresses are now receiving support from specialist officers, police said.

Meanwhile, three addresses visited were found to have been converted for the production of cannabis.

Searches at the addresses are ongoing and enquiries are being carried out.

Acting Detective Inspector Aaron Saunders from Central Specialist Crime, said: “Today we have significantly disrupted this organised criminal network. Members of this OCN are responsible for the trafficking of vulnerable adults into the UK where they are instructed to commit criminal activities through fear of violence.

“These victims have been found living in squalid conditions, sleeping on dirty mattresses and owning just the clothes they are wearing.

"We believe there are victims of modern slavery in all boroughs across London and the public may encounter them every day, possibly without realising.”

A total of 11 alleged members of the OCN have been arrested on suspicion of modern slavery and drugs offences.

Those arrested are aged between 26 and 34-years-old. They have been arrested on suspicion of a variety of offences, including modern slavery, human trafficking, production of Class B drugs, possession of Class A drugs and money laundering.