A MAN has been charged and remanded in custody in connection with an ongoing investigation into a cannabis farm.

At around 11.30pm on April 26, police were called out to a vacant property on Front Street in Prudhoe after receiving reports that screams could be heard.

An investigation was launched by Northumbria Police, and last night (Thursday), a 27-year-old man was arrested in Stanley following the execution of a warrant. 

When officers attended the address, they carried out searches and recovered a quantity of cocaine valued at £7,000, cannabis believed to be worth £10,000 as well as £4,000 in cash and weapons including knuckle dusters and machetes.

He was later charged with possession with intent to supply cocaine and cannabis and possession of an offensive weapon.

The man appeared at North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court today (Friday) and has been remanded in custody until his next appearance which is due to take place on June 9 at Newcastle Crown Court.

A total of eight people have been arrested in connection with the ongoing investigation and released on bail.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Brooks of Northumbria Police said: “This has been a series of fast-paced enquiries since the original report came in and I am pleased to confirm that eight people have been arrested.

“As part of our ongoing commitment to tackling serious and organised crime through Operation Sentinel, we will continue to work with our communities to identify anyone suspected of being involved in drug dealing and production, and take firm action.

“One man has now been charged but our investigation continues and we’d ask that the public continues to support us by sharing anything they know.”