Two arrested for cannabis farming and money laundering

Warrants executed at seven addresses as part of robust action to tackle suspected cannabis farming and money laundering.

Today (Thursday), officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU), with the support of Cleveland Police and Durham Constabulary, carried out seven targeted warrants in the Durham, Middlesborough, Hartlepool and Seaham areas.

The strike day resulted in the arrest of two suspects, a 38-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman on suspicion of Money Laundering, Cannabis Facilitation and Abstract Electricity.

Both currently remain in police custody while the investigation continues.

Speaking after this latest activity, Detective Sergeant Andrea Smith, part of NEROCU’s Regional Economic Crime Unit, praised officers for continuing to take robust action against suspected criminality in our region.

DS Smith said: “This has been an excellent result from the hard-work of a very dedicated police team and I want to thank everyone involved.

 “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 and partners 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.”

DS Smith added: “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.”

If you have any information about drug supply, you can report it to your local police or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.