North East Police seize almost £3m in drugs in one year

Police in the North East have recovered more than £2.7 million worth of drugs in just a year - with more than 10 raids taking place every week to disrupt and dismantle serious organised crime groups.

The recovery included more than 250 kilos of cannabis, in excess of 15 kilos of cocaine (including 'crack') and approximately 5 kilos of heroin.

Over 500 search warrants were executed in total, resulting in countless arrests and Police say - most importantly - ridding communities of the unwanted effects of drugs and the associated criminal behaviour that comes with this.

"Most of the accused come from outwith the North East..."

Detective Superintendent Alex Dowall said: "This result is down to the hard work of officers in the Division as well as support from national resources that are available to us. Most of the accu

"These criminals also don't care how their actions affect those who live here in the North East, and they prey on the most vulnerable in our society. It won’t be tolerated."

"I hope these results help reassure the public that we are doing everything in our power to tackle the sale and supply of illegal substances, however we must never be complacent. It is also crucial to identify the people who will engage with us so we can divert them away from this type of activity, in particular the young and more impressionable"