Suspected crack cocaine worth up to £1,800 was recovered from a vehicle bound for the council crusher.
Eagle-eyed council officers in Middlesbrough have been praised after spotting the drugs stashed in a vehicle which was being taken to be destroyed in the town.
Members of the council’s Community Safety Team called police when they found the drugs in a Volkswagen Golf seized as an abandoned vehicle.
As it was in line to be disposed of, a drawstring bag containing around 180 deals of suspected crack cocaine was recovered from inside the vehicle.
Read more: Heroin and crack cocaine worth thousands seized in raids
If the substance contained in the deals proves to be crack cocaine it will have a valuation of up to £1,800.
Cleveland Police’s Dedicated Drugs Unit has seized the drugs and inquiries are being conducted as to who may be responsible for preparation of the stash.
Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: “Congratulations to our eagle-eyed officers for an amazing double whammy.
“This nuisance vehicle was headed for the crusher, but thanks to their diligence we’ve taken a sizeable haul of Class A drugs off the street as well.
“That’s great work, and yet another example of our relentless commitment to clean up our communities for law-abiding residents.”
Read more: Northumbria Police clampdown sees £185k of drugs seized
Chief Inspector Jon Tapper said: “This is yet another great example of the positive work done by Middlesbrough Council Enforcement Team and the benefits of great partnership working.
“These drugs have now been seized and prevented from getting onto the streets of Middlesbrough.
“Our inquiries are ongoing.”
Anyone with information regarding drugs activity is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, or, alternatively, Crimestoppers can be called, anonymously, on (0800) 555 111.
Read next:
Crack cocaine and cannabis found in Middlesbrough - four people arrested
Drugs raids result in arrests and seizure of heroin and crack cocaine
Middlesbrough crack cocaine dealer finally behind bars
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