A man who fled the scene of a cannabis farm before he was apprehended by officers has been jailed for eight months.

Kledis Tafa was spotted running away from an address on Scurfield Road, Stockton, where officers discovered a large-scale cannabis farm on October 24.

The estimated the value of the crops seized is believed to be worth up to £230,000.

The 20-year-old was soon detained by officers and was charged with production of Class B drugs.

Tafa pleaded guilty to the offence and appeared at Teesside Crown Court on Wednesday, November 22 where he was handed an eight-month prison sentence.

Chief Inspector Dan Heron said: “The drugs seized from this cannabis farm would have ended up in Stockton and the wider area of Cleveland, had it not been for the intelligence received from our community.

“We are determined to keep disrupting drug supply, deterring criminals and protecting some of our most vulnerable members of society."

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Ch Insp Heron said: "We will keep building intelligence, we will keep conducting warrants, and we will keep arresting those who wish to benefit from crime.

“My officers and staff are determined to make a positive impact in Stockton.

“If you suspect drug dealing in your area, please contact us on 101.”

Independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously online at orlo.uk/R8C5j or by phone on 0800 555 111.