£15,000 cash seized and cannabis farm busted in Sunderland city centre
Northumbria police made a major seizure in the city centre after £15,000 in cash was found in a vehicle.
Sunderland’s Neighbourhood Policing Team officers first spotted a vehicle of interest in the Princess Street area of the city centre.
A search of the car led to the arrest of a man in his 40s on suspicion of being in possession of criminal property, after £15,000 in cash was recovered.
He has since been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
Later, officers observed two men believed to be connected to the seized vehicle. One managed to flee, but the other, a man in his 20s, was stopped on the same street.
Following a search of a property linked to him, officers uncovered a significant cannabis operation. The farm included three grow rooms containing around 80 cannabis plants.
The younger man was arrested and subsequently charged with being concerned in the production of cannabis. He has been remanded in custody and will appear at court for his next hearing.
The investigation remains ongoing with further enquiries expected in the coming weeks.
Residents in the city centre are being reminded to report any suspicious activity to the police as officers continue their work to keep the streets safe.