Drugs taken off streets in special operation

Twenty-four addresses targeted, 11 arrests, drugs, weapons, cash seized and…. a chicken.

Just what some of our officers found whilst carrying out Operation Plaice this morning.

The operation – part of the wider Operation Sentinel – was led by our Specialist Crime Operations Unit (SCOU) as part of their investigation into couriered drugs from abroad. These are more commonly known as ‘fast parcels’.

Our uniformed officers on the ground and drug dogs searched the addresses in Darlington, Bishop Auckland, Evenwood and Barnard Castle during the operation which was supported by colleagues in the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU).

Drugs, cash and a suspected firearm were found although one team was also greeted by several dogs and a chicken at one address.

A SCOU spokesperson said: “The seizures and arrests today represent a major disruption to a criminal network that has been profiting from misery in our communities.

“We are committed to dismantling organised crime groups and removing harmful drugs from our streets.

“Today’s success sends a clear message: we will not tolerate those who exploit others for illegal gain.”