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Four people have been arrested after a series of raids in Darlington, with one admitting producing cannabis.
A large cannabis farm was found, along with £90,000 in cash and assets, after targeted warrants at properties on Whessoe Road, Hartlea Avenue and North Road. Two men, aged 44 and 66, and a 64-year-old woman, were arrested on suspicion of money laundering, importation of cannabis and cannabis cultivation.
Those three suspects have since been released on police bail while investigations continue. Evidence gathered from this strike led to the arrest of a 38-year-old the same day after a large cannabis farm was uncovered.
Ruzhdi Ferizi, no fixed abode, subsequently pleaded guilty to production of a class B drug. He was remanded in custody prior to sentencing at Teesside Crown Court on January 9.
A cannabis farm found in Darlington
(Image: Durham Constabulary)
The initial raids took place on Thursday, December 5, as part of Under Operation Sentinel, aimed at stamping out the supply of drugs and money laundering. Officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), with the support of Durham Constabulary and the National Crime Agency (NCA), carried out the warrants.
Detective Constable Micheal Hanratty, of NEROCU’s Disruption Team, said: “Nobody wants this type of criminality happening in their community and, as shown time and time again, it can lead to a range of other issues such as violence and exploitation. This was another case of fantastic teamwork between NEROCU, NCA and Durham Constabulary and we hope this once again shows the commitment to tackling organised crime that we have here in the North East- whatever form it takes.”
Sergeant James Woodcock, part of NEROCU’s proactive economic crime team, added: “I implore anyone that has intelligence or information regarding those that launder money to report it and to put an end to those that benefit from other people’s misery. We will continue to work with our partners under Operation Sentinel to dismantle the criminal groups who try to profit from the sale and supply of illegal drugs, as well as those laundering money and contributing to the funding of organised crime.”
Anyone with information about the supply of drugs can report it to their local police team or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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“}]] Warrants were carried out in Darlington in an operation aimed at stamping out money laundering and the supply of drugs Read More
