A VIETNAMESE teenager found at a County Durham property during a police drugs raid is thought to be a victim of modern-day slavery.

The 16-year-old was initially arrested but is now in local authority care after the police operation in Chilton, which also led to the discovery of around 200 cannabis plants.

Ferryhill neighbourhood police team visited the property in Arthur Street on Tuesday following reports from people who thought it might be being used to produce drugs.

 

Sergeant Pete Newman, from Ferryhill Police, said: “Initially he was treated as a suspect but when we spoke to him it would appear he is a victim in relation to the grand scheme of things.

“He is now in the care of social services and is being treated as a victim of modern day slavery.”

He added: “We certainly didn’t expect to find that. It just goes to show that it is taking place and we are keen to tackle it where we can.

“It was a good job in terms of disrupting the drug supply but the main result is getting a person out of that situation. That’s a real positive.”

Following the operation the plants have been removed from the property and the electricity supply made safe.

An investigation is now underway to catch the perpetrators.

Sgt Newman thanked the public for their assistance. He added: “We got the information from members of the public and we’re keen to pass it back to them that the job came about because of getting that information.

“I’m very keen to get that information people and to keep going with it.”