Thirteen people have been arrested following a series of raids targeting organised crime gangs in Doncaster.

South Yorkshire Police executed warrants at a number of addresses in the city with suspected links to supplying cannabis.

Det Insp Laura Procter said: "Cannabis may seem like a harmless drug but that couldn't be further from the truth.

"The large-scale production and sale of this drug funds organised crime groups who are responsible for bringing violent criminality to our neighbourhoods and communities."

Arrests were made in connection with a number of alleged offences, including possession with intent to supply, driving while unfit through drugs and failing to appear in court.

More than 200 cannabis plants were also seized during the raids on Wednesday, which were carried out as part of the force's ongoing Operation Duxford.

Det Insp Procter said stopping the supply of cannabis would "severely limit" the influence of gangs "who often recruit vulnerable people who they exploit to look after these grows".

"Operation Duxford shows the public our proactive stance and continued commitment to fighting serious and organised crime," she added.

"It gives us an opportunity to really show the public just how hard [officers] work every day to keep the people of Doncaster safe."

Targeted patrols in "crime hotspots" and leafletting also took place throughout the city. (BBC)

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