Four people have been charged after a series of raids across five police force areas yesterday (Tuesday, June 4).
Officers executed warrants at addresses in Durham, Cleveland, Jarrow, Nottingham and Northampton - making 17 arrests in connection with an investigation into drugs and money laundering.
Police said that Neil Hoban, 44, of Casson Way, Billingham, and Michael Watts, 46, of Bedeburn Road, Jarrow, have both been charged with conspiracy to supply class A and class B drugs and with money laundering offences.
Andrew Yates, 28, of Sacriston, Durham, has been charged with money laundering, and Darren Herbert, 42, from the Northampton area. is charged with conspiracy to supply class A and class B drugs.
Nine men and four women also arrested have been bailed pending further enquiries.
More than 60 detectives, uniformed officers and specialist staff took part in Operation Patton, a North East Regional Organised Crime Unit investigation targeting organised crime gangs operating in the North- East with links to other force areas.
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