Two men arrested and property closed after raid on Sunderland cannabis farm
Northumbria Police have estimated the value of the plants and equipment seized with a wholesale price range of up to £167,500
Two men have been arrested and over 800 cannabis plants seized following a raid on a cannabis farm in Sunderland.
A warrant was executed by Northumbria Police on Ryhope Street South in the Ryhope area of Sunderland on Wednesday, June 10.
Once inside, officers searched the property and “located upwards of 814 plants at various stages of growth”.
Northumbria Police have estimated the value of the plants and equipment seized with a wholesale price range of £44,000 to £167,500.
Two men, aged 31 and 38, were arrested whilst trying to flee the scene. The have been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the production of cannabis and have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
Working in partnership with Sunderland City Council, a closure order has been secured on the address for a minimum of three months from Friday, June 26 to “prevent further criminal activity and anti-social behaviour whilst the investigation continues into the production of drugs and criminal use of the property”.
Sergeant Craig Sheriff 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.
“By working in partnership with Sunderland City Council, we can 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.
“We would also encourage members of the community 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.”
Sunderland City Council's Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Enforcement, Cllr Bill Blackett, said: "Securing this closure order will help to protect the neighbouring residents from the harm associated with drug-related criminality.
"This case highlights the strength of the partnership between Sunderland City Council and Northumbria Police. Working through the East Community Safety Hub, officers from Sunderland City Council's Community Safety Team supported the investigation and subsequent enforcement action, helping to address the misuse of the property and prevent further criminal activity.
"We continue to work with the property owner and work closely with our partners to take robust action against those involved in crime and anti-social behaviour, to ensure the city remains a safe place to live, work and visit."
Anyone with concerns about suspected criminality in their community are urged to call 101 or contact Northumbria Police via social media.