Police seize cannabis farm worth £80k in Riding Mill property

A man has been charged and remanded in custody after officers uncovered the large-scale cannabis farm in Riding Mill, Northumberland.

Acting on reports of suspicious activity from members of the public, officers executed a warrant at an address on Church Close in the village on the morning of Thursday, May 30.

Officers used a chainsaw to force entry to the property where more than 120 plants at various stages of growth were found.

A man – aged 27 – was arrested at the scene on suspicion of cannabis production.

He was subsequently charged and appeared at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court on Saturday.

He will be remanded in custody until his next appearance at Newcastle Crown Court next month.

Sergeant Samantha Maughan, of Northumbria Police, said: “There is no place for this form of criminality in our Force area, and farms of this size have damaging repercussions on our communities.

“Those involved in these type of schemes have no consideration for the consequences of their actions on their neighbours.

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“Nobody wants illicit activity such as this on their doorstep and if you suspect someone to be involved in drugs supply in your area, please report it to us and we will act on your information.”

Anyone who sees something suspicious in their area should use the report tool on the Northumbria Police website or call 101.

In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always call 999.