Officers from Northumbria Police carried out 67 raids seizing more than 11kg of Class A and B drugs as part of their fight against serious and organised crime.
Between January 1 and April 30 this year, the Force seized more than 11kg of cocaine and amphetamines through pre-planned disruption activity, solely aimed at tackling organised crime groups in the region.
The figures were released by Detective Chief Inspector Alan Cairns who leads Northumbria Police’s Priority and Organised Crime department today (Wednesday) as the Force marked International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking – a day which hopes to raise awareness of the major problems illicit drugs can cause, and the impact drug abuse can have on our communities.
He said: “Our officers work hard on a daily basis to protect the communities we serve and in the past few months we have seen some amazing work carried out by our teams to make sure harmful substances are seized and prevented from being sold to some of the most vulnerable people.
“People’s lives can be torn apart from drug use but we know those involved in the production and supply are only interested in financial gain. They have no conscience when it comes to the lives of vulnerable drug addicts who are being exploited to keep their illicit activities going.
“As part of Operation Sentinel, we will continue to seize drugs and all proceeds dealers make from their so-called business. We will do everything we can to put them before the courts so they can be brought to justice and protect more vulnerable people from being exploited.”
As part of Operation Sentinel, the Force carried out a total of 67 disruption events between January 1 and April 30 which saw the following seizures made:
- 6.12kg of Cocaine
- 2.73kg Other Class B, including 2.04kg Amphetamine
- 384 Cannabis Plants
- 1kg of Cannabis
To report concerns contact your local neighbourhood policing team, call 101, visit www.northumbriapolice.co.uk.
In an emergency dial 999.
