In the latest raid, up to 50 cannabis plants were recovered from a flat in Horsley Hill Square, South Shields, on Sunday.

It is estimated that drugs with a street value of more than £170,000 have now been seized by officers since the middle of October, thanks to tip-offs from the public.

Officers swooped on the Horsley Hill address after residents raised their suspicions with the local neighbourhood police team over the property's blacked out windows, suspicious activity around the upstairs flat and a strong smell of cannabis in the area.

Police raided the flat discovering a number of cannabis plants and lighting equipment.

One resident said: "You could smell the drugs for a couple of days before the police came. It was quite strong.

"The police were here all day on Sunday after they raided the place. They had a huge van and they were going backwards and forwards all day – there seemed to be bringing out a lot of stuff and a lot of plants."

No one has yet been arrested.

Neighbourhood Inspector Dave Hudson said: "Horsley Hill residents alerted the neighbourhood team, in confidence, of suspicious activity at the flat.

"The information was investigated further which resulted in a warrant being executed at the address.

"We are constantly working hard with our partners and residents to target those involved in illegal drug use and this latest action sends a strong message to those engaged in this kind of behaviour it will not be tolerated in our neighbourhoods.

"We would always encourage anyone who believes drug activity is happening in their area to contact us."

The cannabis farm is the third discovery made by police in a month.

In October, Community Support Officers Mark Halliday and Steve Lorrison stumbled across plants being grown at a property in Leighton Street, Westoe, while out on patrol.

The pair had spotted a UV light coming from an upstairs window and going to investigate were met with a strong smell of cannabis.

Last week two men were arrested after a cannabis farm was discovered in an upstairs flat in Jarrow.

Hai Van Tham, 32, and Tien Van Nguyen, 31, both from Vietnam, have appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court charged with producing controlled drugs and dishonest use of electricity.

Anyone who believes drug activity is happening in their neighbourhood is asked to call police on 03456 043 043 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.