£500k ‘herb’ garden
UNDER artifical lights, row after row of cannabis plants worth a staggering half a million pounds grow in a secret drug farm on Tyneside.
The crop was in a disused three-storey warehouse, hidden from view, in an industrial area just off Tanner’s Bank in North Shields.
When police arrived, they discovered 2,000 plants on the ground floor.
A network of vents lined the ceiling, irrigation pipes were laid on the floor and an illegal electrical supply had been set up.
The cannabis plants, estimated to be worth between £330,000 and £550,000, were being cultivated behind white sheets.
Dozens of empty pots and soil bags were stacked up, and it appeared someone may have been living at the site - there was a toilet and shower, and clothing.
Det Insp Jon Bensley, said he had never seen a cannabis growing
operation of this scale and sophistication before. He added: “This was an industrialscale cannabis farm. It was quite well hidden and we found it after
an intelligence-led operation. “We executed a search warrant and discovered around 2,000 plants in various stages of growth.
“It was quite a sophisticated setup. They were tapping into the electrical mains supply, which had to be turned off before we could carry out our search.
“We have found cannabis farms before in the force area, they are mainly found in rented accommodation. But this is the first time I’ve seen one on this scale.”
He said the disruption of cannabis cultivation was one of the key priorities for the force as they attempt to stamp out organised crime.
“Our focus is on those who set up farms on this scale, those who buy cannabis and commit crime to fund their habits”, he added.
“The discovery of this farm means around half a million pounds worth of cannabis is off the streets. This operation serves to frustrate those behind the crime.”
One person is currently helping police with inquiries as the investigation continues.
Anyone who suspects a cannabis farm in their area call 101.
This was an industrial-scale cannabis farm... well hidden and we found it after an intelligence-led operation