Cannabis valued at £25,000 captured by police
WARNING TO LANDLORDS AFTER RAID ON HOUSE IN GATESHEAD
POLICE seized £25,000 worth of cannabis from a Gateshead home after a tenant turned his property into a drugs hub.
The haul had been delivered to an empty house being rented in the Gateshead area and officers believe the premises was being used as a drop-off and distribution centre for illicit substances - all without the landlord’s knowledge.
Officers from the disruption team at the North East Regional Special Operations Unit who carried out the seizure are now urging landlords, tenants, agencies and property owners to be more vigilant.
Sergeant Hayley Douglass from the disruption team said: “In this particular case, the family who were renting out this property were lawabiding people who could have ended up in serious trouble through no fault of their own.
“This is why we are urging people to take a vested interest in the tenants they accept, in the agencies they use and in the comings and goings at their properties.
“In recent months we have seen well cared-for homes ruined because unscrupulous tenants have set up cannabis farms without any regard for the premises - and it is the owners who have to pick up the pieces.
“You have to ask yourself - do you want your home being used in the illegal sale and supply of illicit substances which are sold to some of the most vulnerable in our community and fund despicable offences?
Work with us and help stamp this out.”
Sgt Douglass added: “We would ask if you own a property that you get to know your letting agent and prospective tenants and check their background. “The same with your letting agency - do they update you regularly about your property and the tenants?
“Do they accept upfront cash payments - this could be a real red flag.
“Properties should be checked regularly - even just for peace of mind.
“The last thing any homeowner or agent wants is a knock from us at the door.
“We will continue to work alongside out partners at the UK Border Force Agency and the National Crime Agency to detect and disrupt this type of organised criminality.”
Enquiries into the incident and to trace the tenant are ongoing.