ONE of the largest seizures of drugs in the North East has resulted in £11m worth of cocaine and crystal meth being taken off the streets.

Three separate vehicles were stopped in a co-ordinated operation targeting suspected drug dealers shipping kilos of product into the region.

Officers from Northumbria Police, with the support of colleagues from Cleveland Police and North East Regional Special Operations Unit (NERSOU), carried out vehicle stops in Cleveland and North Yorkshire.

A total of 50kg of cocaine and 30kg of crystal meth was recovered by officers taking part in Operation Sentinel on Thursday (February 24).

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Detective Inspector Marc Michael, from Northumbria Police, who oversaw the strike operation, said: “This is another fantastic outcome where officers have been able to seize a significant amount of drugs from suspected dealers.

“This type of activity forms part of our ongoing commitment to tackle serious and organised crime through our dedicated initiative Operation Sentinel.

“We know the harmful impact illegal drugs can have on individuals and our wider communities.

“We will continue to target anyone suspected of being involved in organised crime and stop them in their tracks to ensure our communities remain safe and the most vulnerable are protected.”

Three men, 31, 35 and 42, were arrested on suspicion of possessing a Class A drug with the intent to supply and currently remain in police custody.

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