POLICE have praised a community after a tip-off helped officers locate two suspected cannabis farms on the same street.

After receiving complaints from members of the public about suspicious activity at two addresses in the Teams area of Gateshead, officers executed consecutive warrants on Milling Court

Inside the first address, officers located the remains of a cropped cannabis farm with one remaining plant. They also recovered a canister of an illicit substance believed to be pepper spray.

A 50-year-old man was arrested at the address on suspicion of possessing a prohibited weapon and the production of cannabis. He has since been released under investigation.

Meanwhile, at a second property, officers found an £18,000 cannabis haul. The farm was subsequently dismantled and the drugs seized. Inquiries are ongoing to trace those involved.

Sergeant Paul Cochrane, who oversaw the raids, said: “These discoveries were only possible because members of the community passed on their concerns and that allowed us to carry out a range of enquiries as to the suspected criminality associated with those addresses.

“Now, as a result, we have dismantled one cannabis farm that had multiple plants at various stages of growth – as well as seizing an illicit weapon that was found in the other address.

“Quite often, these types of operation have links to serious and organised crime, so it’s imperative that we find these drugs and ensure they do not end up in the hands of the most vulnerable people in our society.

“The electric had also been by-passed at one of the addresses which is incredibly dangerous and potentially fatal for those who live in neighbouring properties. It could easily have caused a fire.”