Officers today hailed the operation a significant step in disrupting the supply of the Class A drugs to the city's streets.

Specialist officers executed a warrant at the suspected drug den in Southwick where they also seized cash and drug-related equipment
A man and a woman have been arrested.

Tip-offs from neighbours worried about suspicious behaviour in the area led to an undercover operation, culminating in the raid.

As well as finding more than £100,000-worth of the white powder, officers seized £5,000 in cash and gear often used by dealers, including scales, bags and cutting agents.

Neighbourhood Inspector Lisa Musgrove added: "Information from the community is crucial in helping us to tackle crime and disorder.

"By carrying out raids and recovering a large amount of drugs, we're disrupting the supply of drugs on to the streets of Sunderland and sending out a clear message that we simply won't tolerate drug supply.

"I would urge the community to come forward and give us an information they have about suspicious activity in their area."

The find is the latest in a series of drugs raids carried out across Wearside since the beginning of the year.

Officers say information provided by the public remains vital in stopping dealers in their tracks.

Sunderland's police chief has today pledged to act on any information received from the community.

Chief Superintendent Dave Pryer said: "Any reports we receive about the supply of drugs will always be taken very seriously and robust action taken to find those responsible.

"We're committed to making the streets of Sunderland a safer place to be and work relentlessly to rid our streets of crime and disorder and tackle crime at all levels."

Anyone with information can phone police on 03456 043 043 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.