A large cannabis grow has been seized in a County Durham town after energy company officials were sent out to investigate the irregular use of electricity in a property  

A Durham Police spokesperson said: "Yesterday officers from Ferryhill Neighbourhood Team assisted enforcement officers from British Gas to execute a magistrates’ warrant at an address on Ford Terrace, Chilton.

"This followed concerns regarding the irregular usage of electricity at the property."

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After gaining entry to the address officers discovered that both the electricity and gas meter had been tampered with, making them unsafe and potentially dangerous.

A single-room cannabis grow was also discovered where 19 cannabis plants were found, seized and destroyed.

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A man was subsequently traced and interviewed on suspicion of the production of cannabis and abstracting electricity. Inquiries are ongoing.

Anyone wanting to report something suspicious can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or Durham Police on 101.

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