Police targeting drug dealers discovered 'neglected' tarantula and a dog which were removed by Newcastle City Council
Cash, drugs, and a giant spider, were seized when police raided the homes of suspected dealers.
The tarantula, which is believed to have been neglected, was discovered as cops cracked down on drug use around Newcastle's notorious Byker Wall.
The arachnid and a dog were taken away by Newcastle City Council as five people were arrested.
Northumbria Police officers working in Newcastle's East End launched an operation code-named 'Murus' after residents from Byker Wall estate reported finding needles, syringes and other drug paraphernalia dumped around the area.
The potentially dangerous items had been found in alleys, gardens and playing fields, and police believe homeless drug users travelling to the area specifically.
Over recent weeks officers at Newcastle East Neighbourhood Policing Team have been working with Newcastle City Council to gather intelligence on those involved.
And on Monday police carried out a series of dawn raids at the suspects homes.
Five people were arrested and heroin with a street value of £3,000 was seized, along with a large quantity of the former legal high 'Spice', some cannabis plants and £1,000 in cash.
But along with the drugs haul officers also made an unusual discovery during their searches of the properties.
And police supported Newcastle City Council in the seizure of a dog and pet tarantula.
Inspector Kirsty Smith, of the Newcastle East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We received a number of complaints about drug use and the littering of paraphernalia in the Byker area and needed to act.
"This has caused huge amount of distress to local residents and families in the area and poses a real danger to public safety. We have worked closely with the local authority to identify the individuals involved in the drug use so that we can tackle those involved in its supply. By tackling those individuals we can have a real impact on the littering of needles and syringes as well as clamping down on begging and homelessness in the area.
"We will always try and offer help and support to those caught in the vicious cycle of drug use but will not tolerate this type of anti-social behaviour. Residents take pride in their local communities and we will do all we can to take drugs off the streets and make these areas a safer, more secure place to live."
And Councillor Nick Kemp, Newcastle City Council's cabinet member for regulation, added: "Anti-social behaviour can have a terrible impact on people's lives. Seeing syringes and litter lying around is extremely disheartening and can damdage the image of an area very quickly. The good news is that the council and the police will not tolerate it and are working closely to mount operations like Operation Murus to stop this bad behaviour and punish those behind it.
"I'd like to thank those residents who came forward and worked with the authorities. We are listening and willa ct to support our communities."
Some of the areas most affected by the drug use include Whickham Gardens, Hoults Yard, St Lawrence Park, near to the children's play area, and the stairwell of Shipley Walk.
It is believed many of those taking drugs were homeless abd had travelled from Sunderland, Wallsend, Gateshead and Newcastle City Centre, say police.
The Byker Community Trust (BCT) were one of the groups to report concerns about drug use to police.
A spokeswoman said: " We understand how anto-social behaviour can cause real misery in people's lives and wish to send out a strong message to residents that we are working closely with Northumbria Police, Newcastle City Council and other agencies to operate a 'zero tolerance' approach to such behaviour.
"We understand that although only a minority of individuals commit anti-social behaviour the action of a few can have a disproportionate effect on the lives of the majority and can have a major impact on the quality of life of individuals and our communities.
"BCT continue to work with tenants and our other community partners to develop a robust, sustained approach towards tackling anti-social behaviour and to make Byker a great place to live."