Over £3m in Cannabis seized in Forton

Monday, January 29, 2024

Lancashire Constabulary have seized over 320kg of cannabis, suspected to be worth over £3m after a car was stopped in Forton.

Yesterday evening (January 28) at around 8:30pm our officers stopped a white BMW 3 series on Forton services on the M6.

Once stopped, our officers noticed a strong smell of cannabis. They searched the car and found a large amount of vacuum-packed cannabis in seven large laundry bags and a large suitcase.

The drugs weighed 328 kilograms, with an estimated street value of £3.3 million.

Leonard Simpson, 34, of Whirlbut Crescent, Dunfermline, Fife, was arrested for, and later charged with possession with intent to supply a controlled drug of Class B – Cannabis. He has been remanded to appear at Preston Magistrates Court today (January 29).

Ch. Insp. Patrick Worden, of Lancashire Constabulary’s Specialist Operations said: “This is potentially one of the largest drug seizures in Lancashire over recent years and was an excellent spot by our Road Crime Team.

“We will not stand for people bringing drugs into Lancashire, especially in quantities as large as this one. I am pleased that these drugs have been taken off our streets, and we can continue to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our society by doing so.

“If you have any concerns that someone may be bringing drugs into Lancashire with the intent to supply them to others, please get in contact with us on 101.

“We want to make our message very clear: this will not be tolerated. If you decide to bring and supply drugs into our county, we will find you and we will bring you to justice.”