Man arrested after police stumble across cannabis plants

A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the cultivation of cannabis after officers discovered about 100 plants growing in a house in Barnard Castle town centre.

Officers attended the property on Christmas Eve on an unrelated matter when they discovered plants growing across two floors.

Barnard Castle neighbourhood inspector Ed Turner said: “This sort of find is very rare in Teesdale.

“Cannabis farms almost always have links to organised crime gangs so it is important we stop them in their tracks.

“Our officers seized the opportunity to disrupt the drugs supply chain and spoil someone’s Christmas but ultimately it has made the streets safer.”