Northumbria Police uncover cannabis farm worth nearly £1.5m at Sunderland property
Police have seized almost 1,500 cannabis plants and equipment – totalling close to £1.5million in value – from an address in Sunderland.
Acting on intelligence, officers raided the property in Nora Street, in High Barnes, and located upwards of 1,474 plants at various stages of growth.
They have since estimated the total value of the plants once fully grown and associated equipment at close to £1.5million.
Officers also discovered the electricity had been bypassed inside the property, requiring the premises to be made safe by partner agencies.
No-one was found within the building at the time of the search and an investigation into the production of the drugs and to locate those responsible is ongoing.
Inspector Wayne Hopkinson, of Sunderland Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “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.
“We hope this provides reassurance to the public that we are listening to their concerns and taking action.”
Insp Hopkinson continued: “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.”
The raid took place on June 30.
Anyone with concerns about suspected criminality in their community is encouraged to contact Northumbria Police via a direct message on social media platforms, by visiting their website at www.northumbria.police.uk/ or by calling 101.
In an emergency, ring 999.