Police crack down on drugs dealers
Nov 5 2008 by Dan Warburton, The Journal
A HUGE heroin haul was made by police at a Gateshead service station. A 36-year-old man was arrested after more than 2kg of the drug was recovered at the Birtley Services, just off the A194(M) in Birtley, Gateshead.
Traffic officers on routine patrol arrested the man at around 9.20pm on Monday. It is estimated that the drugs have a street value of £75,000.
A Northumbria Police spokesman said: “A 36-year-old man has been arrested and more than 2kg of heroin recovered at Birtley Service Station in Gateshead. The arrested man is still in police custody.” The raid marks the end of a series of swoops across the region. Police uncovered two cannabis farms worth £1.75m following a series of raids on properties on Wearside.
Officers from Sunderland Area Command raided addresses in North Bridge Street and Hylton Road as part of a series of stings dubbed Operation Predator.
One of the raids was at Harbour Lodge, North Bridge Street, which was once the scene of a gruesome double killing.
The bodies of Wayne Pearce and Brian Pallister were discovered in the basement of the former hostel in April.
Pearce’s cousin, Peter Pearce, 30, and William Creighton, 36, are on trial at Newcastle Crown Court charged with murdering the two men.
The raids yesterday were following intelligence from the local community.
Officers discovered several rooms at the two properties had been converted for the cultivation of cannabis, with sophisticated lighting equipment.
Over three-and-a-half thousand cannabis plants were recovered, with an estimated street value of £1.75m.
Three men who were arrested in connection with the drugs farms are helping police with their inquiries.
Five people who were arrested for related drugs offences are on police bail.
Northumbria Police say the raids are part of ongoing operations in Sunderland which are already having a major impact on crime.
The Predator operations aim to identify, hunt down, arrest and bring to justice the most prevalent criminals from neighbourhoods across the city.
The operations will respond to intelligence provided by members of the public in Sunderland.
Sunderland Area Commander Dave Pryer said: “The Predator operations are an example of the type of large-scale strategy we will employ to ensure that Sunderland remains a safe place to live.
“Throughout these operations we will be using community intelligence to identify, hunt down and bring to justice those criminals known to be of most concern to those living in the neighbourhoods we serve.
“The two cannabis farms found are a clear example of our commitment to removing drugs from the hands of criminals across Sunderland.
“We will continue to protect communities through robust enforcement action tackling drug supply, drug related crime and drug-related anti-social behaviour.”
Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police on 03456 043 043.
