Huge cannabis farm uncovered after dopey suspected drug dealer shows police video of drug den while accessing Google Translate
and live on Freeview channel 276
Northumbria officers were patrolling the Rainton Bridge area of Houghton when they saw a grey Mercedes that roused suspicion.
After speaking to the two men in it, officers noticed the strong smell of cannabis – but a search of the vehicle proved negative.
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Hide AdOne of the suspects did not speak English as his first language, so in a bid to understand officers, used his phone to click on Google Translate.
But to his horror, a video appeared showing a significant cannabis farm in operation.
Officers placed the men, aged 38 and 22, under arrest on suspicion of production of a Class B drug, and accessed a property in High Street, Easington Lane.
It was found to be the base for a significant and “sophisticated” cannabis operation over three floors, with 600 plants seized.
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Hide AdSergeant Steve Passey said it had been an “unusual incident” and added: “It’s safe to say the suspect was a little shocked and tried to quickly lock his phone in the hope that nobody had seen.
“Unfortunately for him, that resulted in him and his associate spending a night in a police cell – and we were able to carry out further inquiries which led us to an address on High Street in Easington Lane.
“Quite often, cannabis farms such as these can be used to fund more serious criminality across the region, so this seizure will provide a dent in the pockets of those behind it.
“I’d also stress that these cannabis farms can be a potential death trap – often the electricity has been by-passed which poses a serious and real fire risk to not only the property involved, but families living in the vicinity.”
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Hide AdHe said the force’s robust stance on drugs will continue under Operation Sentinel, which is runs across the North East to target serious and organised crime.
The men have since been released on police bail as inquiries continue into the discovery on Wednesday, December 9.
Anyone with information about drug misuse or supply is asked to contact police via the Tell Us Something page of the force’s website or by calling 101.