Northumbria Police have seized nearly £1.5 million worth of cannabis plants and equipment from a property in Sunderland. Acting on intelligence, officers forced entry into an address on Nora Street in the High Barnes area on Tuesday, June 30th.
Details of the Raid
Inside the property, officers discovered upwards of 1,474 cannabis plants at various stages of growth. The estimated value of the plants once fully grown, along with the equipment seized, totals close to £1.5 million. Additionally, the electricity had been bypassed, requiring the building to be made safe by partner agencies before the search could proceed.
Investigation Ongoing
No one was found at the property during the search. An investigation into the production of the drugs and to locate those responsible is ongoing.
Inspector Wayne Hopkinson of Sunderland Neighbourhood Policing Team stated: "We hope this latest action sends a clear message that we will not tolerate drug-related activity in our communities. We continue to take positive steps to safeguard residents, reduce crime and address the wider harm these premises can cause."
Community Reassurance
Inspector Hopkinson added: "We hope this provides reassurance to the public that we are listening to their concerns and taking action. We would like to thank the community for their assistance and encourage people to continue reporting any suspicious activity from their area. No-one wants criminality such as this on their doorstep – and we will continue to do everything we can to put a stop to it."
Anyone with concerns about suspected criminality is urged to contact police via social media, their website, or by calling 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.
