Police have seized more than 200 cannabis plants after thermal images picked up by a police helicopter showed heat radiating from a property's roof
The property in Birtley, near Chester-le-Street, was raided after the suspicious activity was picked up by officers.
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said:" "We've seized more than 200 cannabis plants and one man has been charged after aerial thermal pictures highlighted suspicious activity at an address in Gateshead.
"At around midday on Wednesday, we executed a warrant at a property in the Birtley area following various lines of enquiry and intelligence gathering as part of Operation Vienna.
"This included support from the National Police Air Service, which captured images of heat radiating from the property’s roof.
"Once inside, officers discovered a complex drugs set-up supporting hundreds of cannabis plants across three rooms in the address.
"A 26-year-old man was arrested at the scene and later charged with production of cannabis. He's been remanded in custody until his next court appearance."
The spokesperson added: "As well as the proceeds from the production of cannabis funding more serious and organised criminality, the electrical bypasses involved in this type of activity are dangerous and pose a huge safety risk.
"Nobody wants illicit activity such as this on their doorstep and if you notice anything suspicious in your area, please continue to report it to us.
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"We are listening to your concerns and will continue to act on information shared with us.
"Anyone with information about suspected criminality, can contact us by sending a direct message on social media, visiting the live chat on our website or by going to the ‘Report’ section of the website."
For those unable to contact police this way, contact 101.
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