Man charged after £17,000 of drugs found at Prudhoe cannabis farm

At around 11.30 pm on April 26, police were called out to a vacant property on Front Street in Prudhoe after receiving reports that screams could be heard and that a number of individuals had attacked the premises before making off in a vehicle.

When officers were deployed to the scene, they discovered a suspected cannabis farm, which they seized and dismantled.

Read more: Front Street in Prudhoe closed after suspected cannabis farm

When officers attended the address, they carried out searches and recovered a quantity of cocaine valued at £7,000, cannabis believed to be worth £10,000 as well as £4,000 in cash and weapons including knuckle dusters and machetes.

Front Street and neighbouring were closed for the night, and much of the next day, as officers carried out inquiries.

An investigation was launched following on from the discovery and enquiries to identify and trace those responsible were carried out.

And last night, (Thursday, May 11) those enquiries led officers from Northumbria and Durham police forces to a 27-year-old man. He was subsequently arrested in Stanley following the execution of a warrant.

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He was later charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis and possession of an offensive weapon.

The man appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court today (Friday) and has been remanded in custody until his next appearance which is due to take place on June 9 at Newcastle Crown Court.

A total of eight people have been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation and released bailed.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Brooks of Northumbria Police praised the swift action.

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• He said: “This has been a series of fast-paced enquiries since the original report came in and I am pleased to confirm that eight people have been arrested.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to tackling serious and organised crime through Operation Sentinel, we will continue to work with our communities to identify anyone suspected of being involved in drug dealing and production and take firm action.

“One man has now been charged but our investigation continues, and we’d ask that the public continues to support us by sharing anything they know.”