Police have uncovered a cannabis farm valued at over £200,000 at a property in Gateshead. Officers raided an address on St Albans Crescent in the Windy Nook area, seizing more than 250 cannabis plants and associated equipment.
Discovery and Seizure
During the search, officers found a large number of plants and seedlings in the loft space and another room. The property's electrics had been bypassed to facilitate the operation. No one was present at the time of the raid, and police are now working to identify those responsible.
Closure Order and Investigation
The Neighbourhood Policing Team secured a closure order on the address, preventing anyone from accessing it for at least three months. An investigation into the production of drugs and criminal use of the property is ongoing. Police emphasized that this joint operation with Gateshead Council is part of ongoing efforts to tackle the wider impact of drug-related crime and improper use of properties.
Police Statement
Inspector Haley Lightburn of Northumbria Police's Gateshead Neighbourhood Policing Team said: 'We hope this latest action sends a clear message that we will not tolerate drug-related activity in our communities. By working in partnership with Gateshead Council, we can take positive steps to safeguard residents, reduce crime and address the wider harm these premises can cause. We hope this provides reassurance to the public that we are listening to their concerns and taking action.'
Council Response
Samantha Allcott, Strategic Director for Healthy Communities at Gateshead Council, added: 'This is a positive result and demonstrates our close partnership working with Northumbria Police to tackle drug-related crime in Gateshead. Investigating these cases takes valuable officer time and resources that could be spent on other frontline services, which is why we are committed to taking an intelligence-led approach to disrupting criminal networks and making offenders think twice about operating in our borough.'
Appeal for Information
Police are encouraging anyone with concerns about suspected criminality in their community to send a direct message on social media, visit the website, or call 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.
