Public praised after 'huge haul' of drugs taken off the streets of Sunderland

Around £80,000 of cannabis was discovered across three rooms inside the property in the Barnes area of Sunderland after Northumbria Police were contacted by a concerned resident.

Officers have now praised the member of the public for reporting their suspicions and said “they absolutely did the right thing”.

Inspector Marie Pollock, of Northumbria Police, added: “This was not a small amount of cannabis for personal use.

“We are talking about a huge haul of illicit substances which have been taken off the streets of Sunderland.

“This discovery and conviction was only possible because a member of the public noticed something suspicious and picked up the phone.

“They absolutely did the right thing and we have now taken action that will prevent criminals from making any further financial gain from the property.

“Quite often, these types of operation have links to organised crime. So it is imperative that we find these drugs, destroy them and ensure they do not end up in the hands of the most vulnerable in our society.

“I would urge the public to let us know if you believe someone in your area is running a drugs operation which could have potentially fatal consequences.”

Following the police raid in May 2019, Natalie Crinson, 37, of Cleveland Road, was arrested and charged with being concerned in the production of a Class B drug.

She admitted the offence earlier this week when she appeared at Newcastle Crown Court and received an 18-month community order.

The court heard the former businesswoman had lost her employment, was homeless and was given a bond to secure somewhere to live in exchange for allowing rooms to be converted to grow illegal plants.

Anyone with any concerns relating to drug misuse or supply in their area is asked to contact 101 or use the Tell Us Something page on the police’s www.northumbria.police.uk website.

Reports can also be made anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

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