POLICE have hailed the success of an operation that has seen more drugs taken off the street.

Since the start of the month, police across west and north Durham have conducted several warrants and house searches which have resulted in a significant amount of drugs being seized, as part of their ongoing Operation Trident.

A Durham Police spokesperson said: “Over 1,000 cannabis plants were taken out of circulation and in Consett, Stanley, Sacriston, Houghton-le-Spring, Grange Villa, Burnopfield and Fencehouses.

“We have arrested and are currently investigating several people in relation to drugs trafficking offences. Cannabis is not the only drug we have taken off the street and there are ongoing investigations in relation to other suspected drugs offences which we believe are class A and will be forensically tested in due course.”

Other items have also been seized in connection with these offences including scales, mobile phones, and cash which police suspect are linked to the supply of drugs.

Anyone with information should contact Durham Police on 101.