DRUGS squad officers have uncovered two suspected drugs farms in the North-East.

Police swooped on a cannabis farm near to a primary school in Bowburn, County Durham, and discovered four plants, worth about £5,000, and £3,000 worth of technical equipment.

A house on Wylam Street, near Bowburn Infant and Nursery School, was raided following reports of cannabis coming from the property.

A 29-year-old man was arrested on possession with intent to supply controlled drugs and has been bailed pending further inquiries.

Sergeant Jim Cowell, of Durham Police, said: “We received a tip-off from a member of the public. This shows we act on community intelligence when we get it and we would encourage any members of the public to come forward.

“Here it has resulted in a positive outcome.”

Officers also found two tins containing a number bags of cannabis, which police said appeared to have been split down ready to be sold for £5 a bag.

Lighting equipment, timers and a transformer, which multiplies the electricity source, were also taken away.

Sgt Cowell added: “This job demonstrates that we will continue to regularly target anyone who thinks about supplying drugs.

“We will continue to work with members of the local community using information that they provide to target offenders in this way.”

Police have also recently raided an industrial unit in the Blackhill area of Consett as part of organised crime crackdown

Officers found what looked like a large-scale cannabis farm set-up with heating, lighting and fan equipment used to cultivate the class B drug, but no cannabis.

A 53-year-old man, from the Shotley Bridge area, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of conspiracy to cultivate cannabis.

To report a crime call Durham Police on 101 or to provide information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.