DETECTIVES have arrested 16 men suspected of being involved in the trafficking of heroin across the region.
The intelligence-led operation, codenamed Jericho, involved more than 80 officers from the Northumbria, Durham and Cleveland forces.
Officers shared intelligence to target cars from a list of more than 60 vehicles thought to be used by heroin couriers.
The vehicles were searched using sniffer dogs.
The 16 arrested were taken to police stations across the three force areas, where they were being held last night for questioning.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil Malkin, head of Durham Police's organised crime unit and the man co-ordinating the operation, said small amounts of cash and drugs were seized during the operation, which ended late on Thursday night.
He said: "This is the first time the three forces have come together to target couriers and we are delighted with the success.
"It is just the start. Operation Jericho will be repeated in coming weeks and months."
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