Police have shut down a cannabis drying room after reports of a ‘suspicious smell’ coming from a property in the North East.

Officers attended an address on Dewhurst Terrace in Gateshead on Friday, July 12 following concerns from the community.

Once inside they located a large quantity of cannabis being dried out in the loft cavity.

Officers also discovered a significant electrical bypass.

The setup was soon dismantled by specially trained police who seized the class B drug.

Neighbourhood Policing Inspector Harninder Bola, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a great result for the neighbourhood policing team – and another excellent example of officers acting on community concerns.

“The illicit activity taking place at this address was having a significant negative impact on the local community – and it was key we brought it to a stop.

“As well as the immediate impact, the production and supply of class B drugs often funds more serious and organised criminality.

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“By disrupting this production line and keeping these drugs off the street, we will help keep people safe.

“It’s also crucial that members of the public continue to report any suspicious activity in their areas, so we can take action and be there when the community need us.”

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police added: “If you spot anything unusual or suspicious in your community, you can get in touch with Northumbria Police by sending a private message on social media, visiting the live chat on their website or by completing a crime update form.”