POLICE were last night questioning 16 people arrested in raids across the North-East as part of an operation to smash a multi-million pound drugs ring.

Officers from the National Crime Squad led a series of co-ordinated raids yesterday morning on homes in Newcastle and on Teesside.

Police said the swoops were aimed at stopping ''massive amounts'' of drugs reaching the streets.

A total of 14 men and two women were arrested for conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs.

They were last night being held at police stations on Teesside where they were being questioned by detectives.

As well as making arrests at suspects' home addresses, officers also executed search warrants at a business address and two other houses on Teesside.

Prior to the arrests, the investigation had previously resulted in the seizure of substantial quantities of drugs including 70 kilos of cannabis, seven kilos of amphetamine, two kilos of cannabis bush and 65 cannabis plants.

A number of people had already been arrested as part of the 18-month operation, codenamed Imago.

It is believed the gang involved was dealing in kilos of cannabis and other drugs on a weekly basis to supply users on Teesside and Tyneside.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Wright, of the National Crime Squad, said: ''Today's action has disrupted a major and highly organised drugs supply and distribution network spread across the North- East.

''This illegal business had the potential to make millions from the drugs trade.

''This has been a long running and intensive inquiry which has shown how closely we can work with forces and other law enforcement agencies in a targeted approach to fighting serious and organised crime.

''I believe we have now broken a supply chain and stopped massive amounts of drugs reaching the streets of Teesside and Tyneside.''

Those arrested include 13 people from Teesside, two from Newcastle, and one from Gateshead.

Officers from the National Crime Squad's Tyneside unit were supported by Cleveland and Northumbria Police.

During the investigation the squad was also assisted by Customs and Excise.