Cannabis farm uncovered in Gosforth home

May 15 2010 The Journal

A £300,000 cannabis farm has been uncovered in an upmarket suburb. Police found the drug factory in a four-bedroom house on Ivy Road, Gosforth, Newcastle.

As the property was being searched, three suspects walked in to find officers had carried out a raid.

More than 300 plants were seized from the house, along with £20,000 in cash found in carrier bags.

Three people – all Chinese nationals – were arrested on suspicion of producing cannabis and continue to help police with their inquiries.

Gosforth and Great Park Neighbourhood Sgt Chris Patten said: “This warrant execution resulted in the recovery of a large amount of cannabis and we’re pleased with the positive outcome.

“There’s no place in Newcastle for drug use and supply and we’ll continue to act on information we receive about crime and disorder in our neighbourhoods to prevent drugs from reaching the streets of the city, and to arrest suspects.

“In this case we acted on information we received from the community and I’d like to reiterate how important it is for people to report suspicious activity and information about criminal activity to us.”

Officers found two upstairs bedrooms and two downstairs rooms filled with cannabis plants. The crops had been harvested and the drugs were stored in plastic bags ready for removal and distribution.

Those arrested are men aged 24 and 40, and a woman aged 46. Sgt Patten added: “I’d urge landlords to keep a close eye on their property and if they are suspicious they should contact us.”

Detectives also want to speak to a taxi driver to find out more about the journey the suspects took in the run-up to their arrests.

Det Sgt Mick Lindsay of Gosforth CID, said: “It’s known the three suspects travelled to the Ivy Road/Woodbine Avenue area in a taxi. We believe the taxi driver was asked to wait while the suspects went to the address with suitcases. However, he left the area. We know it was a dark, large taxi.

“I’d like to emphasise that the driver hasn’t done anything wrong and would have had no knowledge of the activity at the house. However, we believe he could have important information.” Anyone with information should ring 03456 043 043.