CUSTOMS officials have seized more than 350,000 cigarettes and 200 kilos of tobacco in their latest anti-smuggling campaign.

Teams of local officers, aided by colleagues from all over the country, undertook the four-day operation against illegal tobacco dealers in an area ranging from Middlesbrough to Berwick.

Acting on information received through a confidential hotline, they raided more than 200 premises.

Rob Hastings-Trew, the Customs spokesman for Northern England, said illegal trading causes widespread problems.

"We are very conscious of the effect that those who deal in smuggled tobacco can have on the community," he said.

"Not only does it affect the livelihood of those who sell cigarettes legally, it also lines the pockets of violent organised criminal gangs, many of whom are also involved in the supply of hard drugs."

Although no arrests were made as a result of the raids, they have formed the basis for several Customs investigations.

Of the premises targeted, 80 per cent were houses, with shops, pubs and clubs making up the remainder.

In addition to the tobacco and cigarettes, seven vehicles, including a W registration Mercedes van worth an estimated £25,000 were seized, along with beer, wine and spirits.

The operation was mainly focused on Gateshead, Stanley and Middlesbrough, where the majority of the cigarettes were recovered