Police have arrested five people and seized almost £10,000 in cash following a drugs raid at a North East property.

On Wednesday morning (June 12), officers from Whitley Bay Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) executed a warrant at an address on Hillheads Road in Whitley Bay.

The raid followed community intelligence that suggested drugs may have been being dealt from the property.

However, before officers could enter the address, they spotted four males located in a vehicle outside conducting a suspected drug deal.

The men were found to be in possession of drugs believed to be cannabis, cash, and other drug paraphernalia.

All four men – aged between 18 and 20 – were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply.

Soon after, a fifth male has arrived at the address. He was searched and found to be in possession of a quantity of white powder and small plastic bags. The 21-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply.

On a subsequent search of the property, officers discovered almost £10,000 in cash, a large amount of suspected cannabis and cannabis vapes, and other items linked to suspected drug supply.

Chief Inspector Sally Pallace, of Northumbria Police, has thanked members of the local community for continuing to report concerns to police.

She said: “Five arrests and a large quantity of cash and substances believed to be Class B and C drugs seized – all thanks to you the public reporting information to us.

“It is thanks to the significant support we receive from the community, who do not want illegal drugs, or the anti-social behaviour often linked to it in their area, that we were able to execute this raid.”

She added: “We are delighted to have discovered this illicit activity and ensure these drugs will not end up in the hands of some of the most vulnerable in our communities.

“As a force, we will simply not tolerate illegal drug supply.

“We will do all we can to pursue offenders and support those vulnerable people caught up in the cycle of addiction.

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The Northern Echo:

“Our teams will continue to work alongside our communities in order to tackle drug-related criminality, and anybody involved should expect a knock on their door very soon. The net is tightening – and it might be your home that we next show up to.”

Four of the men have been released on police bail and one has been released under investigation as enquiries continue.

Anyone wishing to report concerns to Northumbria Police should visit: Something you've seen or heard | Northumbria Police If a crime is ongoing, always call 999.