Two men have been arrested for immigration offences after a parcel containing fraudulent passports and driving licences was intercepted by Border Force officers.

On Monday (November 27), officers from the Home Office Criminal and Financial Investigation (CFI) team, the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), and Durham Police carried out a search at an address in Blackhall Colliery after information suggested the occupiers were the intended recipients of the parcel.

Officers raided an address on Fourth Street and arrested two men, aged 23 and 29, in connection with the operation.

The Northern Echo: Fourth Street in Blackhall CollieryFourth Street in Blackhall Colliery (Image: GOOGLE MAPS)

While police were at the address, they found a cannabis farm containing more than 50 plants as well as a bypass of the electricity.

Two firearms were also seized from the property and made safe by specialist teams.

The 23-year-old has been remanded into custody having been charged with two counts of possession of a false document and is due to appear at Durham Crown Court on December 21.

The 29-year-old man was arrested and detained by Immigration Enforcement, pending his removal from the UK.

Sergeant Neil Lovat, from NEROCU’s Disruption Team, said: “This is exactly the type of partnership activity that will continue as part of Operation Sentinel, which is our region-wide response to tackling Serious and Organised Crime.

“Our officers will continue to act on intelligence received, taking a proactive approach to keep people safe and fight organised crime right across the North East.

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“We will also continue to work with our partners to dismantle the criminal groups who try to profit from the sale and supply of illegal drugs.”

Chief Immigration Officer, Mick Wilson, from the Home Office Criminal and Financial Investigations team, added: “Today’s operation sends a clear message to those abusing our laws and borders: we will stop at nothing to bring immigration offenders to justice.

“We will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to disrupt organised immigration networks and make sure those who break our laws face the consequences.”