THREE men have been arrested in Birmingham as part of an investigation into modern slavery and human trafficking.

The trio were detained this morning (August 17) following a series of raids in the city centre and Nechells areas, all related to the discovery of a cannabis farm by Cleveland Police in 2021.

At an address in Essex Street, Birmingham, a 35-year-old man was held on suspicion of holding a person in slavery or servitude, production and supply of a controlled drug and cultivating cannabis.

A further 26-year-old man was arrested for possession of drugs and money laundering.

An estimated £25,000 cash was recovered from the address.

At an address in Nechells Park Road, a 51-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arranging the travel of another person with a view to exploitation.

NCA senior investigating officer Paul Boniface said: “Our investigation is focused on a crime group suspected of trafficking mainly Vietnamese migrants into the UK illegally.

"The victims would be transported often hundreds of miles across the country and then put to work in cannabis farms.

“This type of exploitation is often hidden in plain sight.

"As part of our investigations we have come across cannabis farms operating in residential streets, or near busy retail premises.

"I would ask anyone who sees anything suspicious that they may think may be connected to modern slavery to report it.”

Rob Richardson, from the NCA’s Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking Unit said: “Many victims of modern slavery in the UK have been trafficked from overseas – frequently from eastern Europe, south east Asia, and Africa – and their exploitation often begins during their journey.

“Human trafficking is different from people smuggling in that victims may be forced, coerced or tricked into travelling, rather than willingly making the journey, but some of those who begin their journeys willingly will find themselves under the control of traffickers.

"Those who arrive here illegally are always more vulnerable.”