A LARGE quantity of cannabis plants were recovered by police following a series of house “visits” in recent weeks.

Plants with a street value of approximately £115,000 were seized during searches at six addresses in villages on the outskirts of Chester-le-Street, County Durham.

Acting Sergeant Norman Foster, from the Durham force’s rural policing team, said: “We found cannabis farms at each premises, with a considerable amount of plants and growing equipment at each location.

“The seizures are as a result of good community intelligence coupled with excellent investigative policing.”

As a result of the recoveries, five people, four men and a woman, were arrested.

Following questioning, two of the men and the woman received formal police cautions.

The other two men remain on police bail while inquiries continue, while a sixth suspect is also being sought.

Police are said to be confident of making a further arrest in the near future.

Sgt Foster said: “This type of criminal activity will not be tolerated in our communities and we will do everything in our power to eradicate this type of crime.

“It’s a good example of positive action taken by police by engaging with people in our communities.”

Anyone with information over similar offences, or associated drugs activity, is asked to contact Durham Police.

They can either use the 101 non-emergency number, or call the independent charity Crimestoppers, via its 0800-555-111 freephone line.