An industrial sized drugs factory containing contents with a street value of £360,000 has been found hidden in a Gateshead former guest house.
Officers from Northumbria Police executed a raid at Old Manse Guest House in Birtley on Thursday, and uncovered a large-scale cannabis farm.
They found more than 1,000 plants at various stages of growth which are believed to have a street value of £360,000. There was also a quantity of dried cannabis worth £60,000 which was also seized.
Officers reported that electricity had also been bypassed and a range of equipment recovered.
Detective Sergeant Chris Johnson spoke following the raid and thanked members of the public for their assistance in the investigation.
He said: “This was a substantial sized farm with the potential of making hundreds and thousands of pounds in criminal cash, which we believe would have been further invested in organised crime.
“Stopping an operation like this in its tracks is no mean feat, but it is thanks to the hard work of intelligence officers and neighbourhood teams, who have come together to secure such a positive result, with the assistance of our local communities.
“This warrant was executed after we received information from members of the community who suspected something was not quite right and got in touch. Their information has been crucial.
“Under the banner of Operation Sentinel, we will continue to disrupt and dismantle organised crime in the North East – and this is another example of the important role that the public can play in supporting us.”
Northumbria Police confirmed the farm has since been dismantled and the drugs seized. Enquiries are now ongoing to trace those responsible for the farm.
Det Sgt Johnson added: “We’d ask the public continue to help be our eyes and ears to this type of criminality and we’d especially ask landlords to be extra vigilant with who might be renting or using their units and premises.
“If you see anything suspicious in your community, please let us know. Your information could result in us bringing effective justice against criminals who are operating in your area.”
Anyone with concerns about suspected criminality in their community is encouraged to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the Northumbria Police website or by calling 101. In an emergency, always ring 999.
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