Man arrested after police dog uncovers £5,000 worth of suspected hard drugs

The discovery was made after officers from Durham Constabulary attended a vehicle fire in Burns Terrace, Shotton Collery, early this morning.

Police arrested a 27-year-old man at his home a few streets away shortly afterwards.

As police investigated the fire, Police Dog (PD) Lottie was deployed to search for evidence.

Lottie found what is thought to be £5,000 worth of cocaine and amphetamine, according to police, in a bedroom.

The 27-year-old was arrested on suspicion of posession with intent to supply, and arson.

He remains in police custody.

A Durham Constabulary statement posted on Facebook said: “RPU officers attended a report at around 1am today of a vehicle on fire in Burns Terrace, Shotton Colliery.

“The car was a black Vauxhall Astra and the fire had been set in the engine bay, causing considerable damage.

“A short time later they arrested a 27-year-old local man at his home address a few streets away and PD Lottie was deployed to look for any evidence linked to the fire.

“But in one of the bedrooms Lottie also came across a bag containing what’s thought to be about £5,000 worth of cocaine and amphetamine, so the suspect was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply as well as arson.

“He’s still in custody at the moment.”