Another Major Newcastle Area Cannabis Farm Bust - Worth £200,000

A major cannabis cultivation operation with an estimated street value of more than £200,000 has been uncovered in Gateshead, adding to a growing list of marijuana grow farms discovered across Newcastle and the wider North East in recent weeks.

Northumbria Police officers executed a warrant at a property on St Albans Crescent in Windy Nook, where they discovered more than 250 cannabis plants and seedlings spread across multiple rooms. The large-scale operation was dismantled during the raid, with officers also seizing specialist growing equipment believed to have been used to support the illegal cultivation.

The latest discovery comes amid increasing police activity targeting suspected drug production sites across Newcastle, Gateshead and surrounding communities. Residents across Tyneside have seen a number of cannabis farms uncovered in recent weeks, highlighting the ongoing battle against organised criminal networks operating in residential neighbourhoods.

More Than 250 Cannabis Plants Seized.

During the search of the property, officers found cannabis plants growing in both the loft space and another room inside the house. Investigators also discovered that the property's electrical supply had allegedly been bypassed, a common tactic used by illegal cannabis growers to avoid detection and reduce operating costs.

Bypassing electricity meters can create significant fire risks for neighbouring properties and emergency responders. Authorities have repeatedly warned that cannabis grow houses often present dangers far beyond drug production, including electrical hazards, structural damage and links to wider criminal activity.

No suspects were found at the address during the raid. However, enquiries remain ongoing as officers work to identify those responsible for operating the cultivation site.

Closure Order Secured For Property.

Following the raid, Gateshead's Neighbourhood Policing Team successfully secured a closure order for the property. The order prevents access to the address for at least three months while investigations continue.

Closure orders are increasingly being used by police and local authorities to tackle properties linked to criminal activity. They are designed to disrupt illegal operations and prevent offenders from quickly returning to the premises.

Authorities say the action forms part of a wider partnership approach between Northumbria Police and Gateshead Council aimed at reducing drug-related crime and protecting local communities.

Newcastle And Gateshead See Rise In Cannabis Farm Discoveries.

This latest raid is far from an isolated incident. Across Newcastle and neighbouring areas, police have uncovered several suspected cannabis grow operations in recent weeks, reflecting a broader trend being seen across the UK.

Cannabis cultivation remains one of the most common forms of organised drug crime in Britain. According to Home Office figures, cannabis was involved in 72% of all drug seizures made by police forces and Border Force in England and Wales during the year ending March 2025. Authorities recorded almost 195,000 cannabis seizures during that period, marking a significant increase compared to previous years.

Separate government data also shows that police and Border Force seized approximately 480,000 cannabis plants across England and Wales in the year ending March 2024.

The figures highlight the scale of illegal cannabis production and the challenges facing law enforcement agencies attempting to disrupt organised criminal enterprises.

Police Send Clear Warning To Offenders.

Inspector Haley Lightburn, of Northumbria Police's Gateshead Neighbourhood Policing Team, said the operation demonstrates the force's commitment to tackling drug-related crime and protecting local residents.

She explained that officers will continue working closely with partner agencies to reduce criminal activity and address the wider issues associated with properties being used for illegal purposes.

Police say intelligence from local residents often plays a crucial role in identifying cannabis farms. Suspicious signs can include strong smells, covered windows, unusual levels of heat, constant extractor fan noise and frequent short visits to a property.

Officers are encouraging members of the public to continue reporting any concerns about suspected criminal activity within their communities.

Council Highlights Community Impact.

Gateshead Council has also welcomed the outcome of the operation, describing it as another example of effective partnership working between local authorities and police.

Council officials stressed that investigations into drug cultivation consume significant public resources that could otherwise be directed towards frontline services. By targeting cannabis farms and disrupting criminal networks, authorities hope to improve neighbourhood safety while discouraging offenders from operating within local communities.

The council added that intelligence-led enforcement remains a key part of efforts to tackle organised crime and protect residents from the wider consequences of drug-related activity.

Investigation Remains Ongoing.

While no arrests have yet been announced, investigations into the production of controlled drugs and the criminal use of the property remain ongoing.

Anyone with information about suspected drug activity in Newcastle, Gateshead or elsewhere across Tyneside is urged to contact Northumbria Police via 101, through social media channels or online reporting services. In an emergency, residents should always dial 999.

As police continue their crackdown on cannabis cultivation across Newcastle and the wider North East, further enforcement activity is expected in the coming weeks.

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