An industrial sized drugs factory found hidden in a former South Shields bar
Officers acted on intelligence received which noted a strong smell coming from the ‘disused’ building
An industrial sized drugs factory found hidden in a former bar in South Shields has been shut down.
Officers from Northumbria Police’s Neighbourhood Support Team (NST) attended a premises on Ocean Road in South Shields on Friday (April 10).
They were acting on intelligence received from the community which noted a strong smell coming from the ‘disused’ building.
Once the team gained access, they uncovered a large-scale cannabis farm made up of more than 1,300 plants and a range of associated equipment.
The plants which were all at various stages of growth were situated across three floors.
Officers valued the plants and equipment which were subsequently seized at £700,000.
They also discovered the electricity had been bypassed inside the building – which first required the building to be made safe by partners.
Over the weekend, the farm was then dismantled by the local Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT).
Officers will now conduct enquiries to identify anyone believed to be involved.
Inspector David Heron, who oversees both teams, said he hoped the activity would demonstrate the Force’s stance on illegal drug supply.
He said: “This was a sophisticated set-up which took a number of days to dismantle due to its size and complexity.
“This team has been responsible for the identification and disruption of a number of cannabis farms in South Tyneside in the last few months, however this one is without doubt the largest.
“We often see farms such as these the start point for other organised criminal enterprises, so shutting these operations down is just one step in disrupting those networks.
“It’s thanks to the hard work of intelligence officers and neighbourhood teams, who have come together to secure such a positive result, with the assistance of our local communities.”
Insp Heron continued: “We’d ask the public to continue to help be our eyes and ears to this type of criminality and we’d especially ask landlords to be extra vigilant with who might be renting or using their units and premises.
“If you see anything suspicious in your community, please let us know. Your information could result in us bringing effective justice against criminals who are operating in your area.”
Anyone with concerns about suspected criminality in their community is encouraged to contact police by sending them a direct message on social media platforms, by visiting the website, or by calling 101.