Huge haul of cannabis resin seized

Cannabis resin with an estimated street value of £500,000 has been seized following a joint operation involving North Yorkshire Police.

Supported by Durham Constabulary and United Kingdom Borders Agency, the operation was carried out on Thursday 28 July 2011 when a 44-year-old man was arrested at Northallerton Railway Station at 10pm after travelling from London.

The man, from the Northallerton area, was questioned in custody before being released on police bail on the afternoon of Friday 29 July 2011 pending further enquiries.

Search warrants have been executed at a number of properties in North Yorkshire and in the Darlington area to assist the investigation.

Detective Inspector Matt Walker, of North Yorkshire Police's Organised Crime Unit, said: "This was a very successful operation and shows once again the effectiveness of joint working by law enforcement agencies.

"Due to the sheer amount of cannabis resin that was seized, it will undoubtedly have an impact on organised criminals who make their living out of the illicit drugs trade in this region and beyond.

"While the investigation is still in its early stages and a number of lines of inquiry are being progressed, we believe the action we have taken will prove to be significant in our efforts to disrupt drug dealing activity and bring offenders to justice." 

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 0845 60 60 24 7 quoting reference number 12110125818. Please pass information for the attention of the Organised Crime Unit.

Information can also be passed on anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

4.47pm - 29 July 2011