Police discover suspected £200,000 cannabis farm at smoke-filled Hartlepool house
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Officers attended an address in Thornton Street, in Hartlepool, after suspecting there may be a drugs den there following a tip off from the local community.
Upon entering the terraced property last week, they immediately discovered that the kitchen was full of smoke from a fire and called Cleveland Fire Brigade to tackle the blaze.
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Hide AdOfficers arrested a 25-year-old man, who has since been interviewed, charged with production of cannabis and who is due to appear in court on July 21.
PC Shaun Newton, from the Hartlepool Neighbourhood Police Team, has heaped praise on local residents for their reports which helped them locate the suspected cannabis farm.
He said: “Thanks to reports from local people and police using powers to take swift action, the fire was dealt with quickly and didn’t spread to neighbouring properties.”
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Hide AdThe raid at the property was part of Cleveland Police’s ongoing Operation Endeavour crusade, which is aiming to tackle serious and organised crime within Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton and Hartlepool.
Any members of the public who have concerned or information about suspected drugs activity within their neighbourhood are urged to contact Cleveland Police via 101.
Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org or calling 0800 555 111.