Arrests made following discovery of cannabis farms: Birtley/Harlow Green
(DH3 - Friday, 27 January, 2012)

Police have arrested two men after carrying out search warrants at three Gateshead homes this week.

On Monday, January 23, a warrant was executed at Pleasant Place in Birtley and 23 mature cannabis plants were recovered at the address.

A 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis plants and has been bailed pending further enquiries.

On the same day, a second warrant, at a house in Mount Pleasant, Birtley, was completed where police found a 46-year-old man in possession of a small quantity of cannabis leaf.

He was issued with a cannabis warning.

A 23-year-old man was then arrested on Thursday, January 26 on suspicion of cultivating cannabis plants and been bailed pending further enquiries.

This followed a search, under warrant, at a house in Weatherall Gardens, Harlow Green where 24 cannabis plants were found and recovered.

Neighbourhood Inspector Paul Hamilton, said:

"We've recovered drugs and made two arrests, and further enquiries are being carried out.

"This activity is completed in response to feedback from local residents who are fed up of people cultivating, dealing and using drugs in their community.

"Our work here is all about targeting those people suspected of being involved in criminal activity and disrupting and dismantling that activity to ensure the area remains a safe place to live.

"Information from the public is vital and by working together we can continue to take action against the minority of people in this area who are involved in crime."

Anyone with information about crime and disorder in the Gateshead area can contact their Neighbourhood Policing Team via 101 ext 69191.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Police Force: Northumbria

Address:
Pleasant Place
Birtley
Chester-le-Street
County Durham
DH3