The arrests comes as part of Operation Attero, a blitz by Northumbria Police's Total Policing Task Force to target those who manage networks of cannabis farms.

Officers raided six cannabis farms, thought to be worth £1.2million, and three residential premises, including one in Washington, in a series of synchronised raids on properties yesterday.

Detective Superintendent Peter Farrell, who led the operation, said: "The wholesale cultivation of cannabis is closely linked to organised crime and we are committed to disrupting these groups wherever they operate and ultimately to drive them out of Northumbria.

"Our aim is to clear the area of cannabis farms and demonstrate to criminals that we will not tolerate them in our neighbourhoods.

"The seizure of these plants shows we are determined to tackle the supply of drugs to protect our communities from the menace of drug abuse.

"We want to send a clear message to property owners – if you are knowingly allowing your premises to be used in the cultivation of cannabis we will arrest you and go after your assets.

"The financial cost not only applies to those who willingly rent their properties to criminals. Even law abiding landlords who have been duped by cannabis farmers will now face huge repair bills caused not only by cannabis farmers but also by the police raids for which they are legally responsible."

Hundreds of plants were seized from each farm along with a large quantity of electrical equipment, including lights and heaters.
The total estimated value of the plants is £1.2million.

Detectives from the Economic Crime Unit will make applications to the court to restrain assets – including a number of rental properties – using powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

Temporary Assistant Chief Constable Paul Beasley added: "As part of Northumbria Police's determination to rid our communities of drug-related antisocial behaviour, we are actively targeting those who are using their homes for growing large quantities of cannabis.

"Cannabis farms are not just an issue for our force, they are part of the national picture, but they will not be tolerated in Northumbria.
"In many cases our officers are acting on information received from local people. We are very grateful for this help and hope it continues."

The UK Border Agency is questioning those who have been arrested to establish their immigration status. Foreign nationals must obey the laws of this country in the same way as everybody else and those who have committed criminal offences here are therefore subject to the same legal processes as anyone else in the UK.

Jeremy Oppenheim, Regional Director North East, Yorkshire and Humber UK Border Agency, said: "The Government's priority is to protect public safety and we have made it clear that we will prioritise those foreign nationals who present the most risk of harm to the public."

The raids took place at addresses in Newcastle, Washington and Northumberland.