Cannabis plants worth £350k seized in Chopwell.

Police were called just before 2pm on Monday (April 22) to a report of suspicious activity at an address in the Derwent Street area of Chopwell.

Officers from Northumbria Police’s Gateshead West Neighbourhood Policing and Whickham Response Policing teams swiftly launched an investigation.

Once at the scene, they uncovered a large cannabis farm with 720 mature plants. Officers also discovered the poor makeshift living conditions where it is believed those tending the plants were staying.

The farm has since been dismantled and the drugs seized. Enquiries are ongoing to trace those responsible for the farm.

Inspector Harninder Bola, of Gateshead West Neighbourhood Policing Team, today (Thursday) praised the team’s efforts and reaffirmed the force’s commitment to tackling illegal drug supply.

He said: “This is a great result for the team and an excellent example of the work we are doing as a force to keep people safe and out of harm’s way.

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Another objective is to reduce the council’s ecological footprint, councillors recently having agreed a new policy on the use of herbicides, specifically the weedkiller glyphosate.

“The supply of Class B drugs such as cannabis can often be used to fund more serious criminality, which is why we are always keen to catch those found to be producing it.

“As part of Operation Sentinel, we will continue disrupting and dismantling drug networks and would ask our communities to work with us by reporting suspicious activity to police and sharing their concerns.”

Anyone with concerns about suspected criminality in their community is encouraged to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101. In an emergency, always ring 999.