Thousands of pounds in cash and drugs seized by police during house raids in Northumberland

Officers executed warrants at five properties in the wider Blyth area last Thursday (May 27) as part of continued efforts to clampdown on organised crime across the region, under the banner of Operation Sentinel.

Cops from Blyth’s neighbourhood policing team smashed their way into a property on The Crescent where they uncovered tens of thousands of pounds in cash and arrested two men, aged 48 and 21, and a woman, 45, on suspicion of money laundering.

Meanwhile, officers also came knocking at properties on Craster Close, Stanley Gardens and two doors in Laycock Gardens, resulting in a 27-year-old woman and two men, both 21, being arrested on suspicion of drug supply. They also seized a quantity of cannabis.

Speaking after the coordinated strikes, Inspector Jon Caisley, of Northumbria Police’s Blyth Neighbourhood Team, said the results were a testament to the hard work and dedication of officers involved.

Discussing the importance of the raids, he said: “Operation Sentinel is a Force-wide initiative, looking to rid every corner of our area of organised crime and the knock-on devastation that comes with it.”

He added: “The Blyth area is a great place to live and the vast majority are a credit to their community. I want to stress that it is a minority of people involved in drug misuse and associated crimes, the mass majority of locals love their area and want to see it thrive.

“The day of action, all those raids, were made possible thanks to the public being our eyes and ears and reporting suspicious activity in the community.

“It’s important to remember quite often these illicit operations attract anti-social behaviour – an increase of people visiting properties, arguments, fights and thefts. The proceeds can also be used by organised criminals to fund other types of serious crime.

“Quite frankly, drug dealers and cannabis farms or any type of drug operation does not make for a good next door neighbour and no one deserves to have that next door or down the road.

“We would always encourage anybody who suspects drug misuse or supply in their communities to report their suspicions to us.

“Together we can make Blyth a safe place to live, work and raise children and an area we can be really proud to call home.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “These are some great results for Northumbria Police in the fight against organised crime. We’re talking a substantial amount of harmful drugs here which officers have prevented from being circulated in the North East.

“Like local people, I look forward to seeing those responsible brought to justice. Tackling drugs requires tough police action and this is exactly the approach taken by Northumbria Police. There is no doubt this work will help make a real difference in improving the lives of local residents and this is just one example of ongoing efforts to stamp out drugs and fight crime in our region.”

To report suspicious activity, visit the Tell Us Something page of Northumrbia Police’s website. Or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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