Machetes, axes and £12,000 worth of drugs seized within 24 hours in Sunderland
Three machetes, two axes and £12,000 worth of drugs were seized within 24 hours following coordinated strikes tackling serious and violent crime.
The planned raids which we carried out at two addresses in Sunderland reaped instant rewards as officers uncovered a stash of weapons along with quantities of cocaine, amphetamine and cannabis.
Two occupants were arrested as a result of Thursday and Friday’s warrants (March 4 and 5), which were both executed early in the morning in a bid to catch suspects off-guard.
The first address targeted was on High Street East with police seizing £8,000 worth of cocaine along with various drug paraphernalia. A 28-year-old man was detained at the scene and taken into custody.
Then within 24 hours, officers struck again at a home on Tower Street West and seized £4,000 worth of amphetamine and cannabis, along with more than a dozen offensive weapons.
Among the weapons seized included three machetes, two axes, an air rifle, crossbow, knife and BB gun. A 29-year-old man at the address was swiftly placed under arrest.
Detective Chief Inspector Sean Mcguigan, of Northumbria Police, welcomed the seizures and hopes the proactive action sends out a reassuring message to communities.
“These were two well-timed warrants that were both carried out under the banner of Operation Sentinel,” Det Ch Insp Mcguigan said.
“As a result, we have been able to take a substantial amount of drugs and weapons off our streets and out of the hands of criminals.
“We will continue to detect and disrupt criminal activity across our communities and these seizures will inevitably provide a significant dent in the pockets of those involved.
“We make no apology for our robust stance on serious and violent crime, and hope this offers reassurance to the community.
“The net is tightening and we will continue to use every tactic at our disposal to seize illicit items and take robust action against those involved in serious and organised crime.”
The two men arrested have been released under investigation, with enquiries ongoing into the seizures.
Anyone who suspects criminal activity in their area is asked to report it via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101. You can also pass on information via independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.