Machetes, axes and £12,000 worth of drugs seized during Sunderland raids

Officers uncovered a stash of weapons along with quantities of cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis during the raids which lead to two arrests on Thursday and Friday mornings (March 4 and 5).

The first address targeted was on High Street East with police seizing £8,000 worth of cocaine along with various drug paraphernalia. A 28-year-old man was detained at the scene and taken into custody.

Then within 24 hours, officers struck again at a home on Tower Street West and seized £4,000 worth of amphetamine and cannabis, along with more than a dozen offensive weapons.

Three machetes, two axes, an air rifle, crossbow, knife and BB gun were among the weapons seized as officers arrested a 29-year-old man at the address.

Both raids took place in the early morning in a bid to catch the suspects off-guard.

Detective Chief Inspector Sean Mcguigan, of Northumbria Police, said: “These were two well-timed warrants that were both carried out under the banner of Operation Sentinel.

“As a result, we have been able to take a substantial amount of drugs and weapons off our streets and out of the hands of criminals.

“We will continue to detect and disrupt criminal activity across our communities and these seizures will inevitably provide a significant dent in the pockets of those involved.

“We make no apology for our robust stance on serious and violent crime, and hope this offers reassurance to the community.

“The net is tightening and we will continue to use every tactic at our disposal to seize illicit items and take robust action against those involved in serious and organised crime.”

The two men arrested during the two raids have since been released under investigation, with inquiries ongoing into the seizures.

Anyone who suspects criminal activity in their area is asked to report it via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the force’s website or by calling 101. They can also pass on information via independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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