POLICE have uncovered what they’ve described as “one of the largest drug grows” after seizing nearly 900 cannabis plants from a disused County Durham nightclub and arresting one male in the process. 

Officers from Durham Constabulary visited the site of the former Trades nightclub on John Street in Consett on Saturday (March 5), which saw a high-scale police presence in the town.

During their investigation, units from the Consett and Stanley neighbourhood policing team uncovered a grow of ‘substantial size’ that spanned over all three floors of the building.

Read more: One man dead and six arrested following armed police presence in South Shields street

Police were alerted to the grow by a member of the public who had concerns the building was being used to grow drugs for distribution in the Consett area.

A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: “Yesterday (March 5), Neighbourhood Police teams from Consett and Stanley joined forces to tackle a large cannabis grow in the disused nightclub Trades.

“The grow was of a substantial size, spanning over three floors of the building with a professional set up.

The Northern Echo: Some of the 900 cannabis plants removed from the Consett site yesterday. Picture: DURHAM CONSTABULARY.Some of the 900 cannabis plants removed from the Consett site yesterday. Picture: DURHAM CONSTABULARY.

“Police descended on the building and arrested one male and located just under 900 plants.

“Thank you to County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service for their assistance and the residents of Consett for their patience and understanding whilst Police were in the area.”

The Northern Echo: The drug raid was carried out at the old Trades nightclub on John Street in Consett. Picture: GOOGLE.The drug raid was carried out at the old Trades nightclub on John Street in Consett. Picture: GOOGLE.

Following the search, the cannabis farm was dismantled, and the plants were removed, where they will now be destroyed.

Durham Constabulary also confirmed that enquiries are currently ongoing in relation to the male arrested during the raid.

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