Police seize £15,000 of 'criminal cash' in dawn raids

Four men have been arrested and £15,000 of suspected criminal cash seized after a four dawn raids across the North East, including one in Washington.
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On Wednesday morning, July 8, Northumbria Police officers executed warrants at four properties; three in North Tyneside and one in Springwell Village.

Four men, aged 53, 51, 48 and 43 were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. They have since been released on police bail.

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The raids were part of the force’s ongoing commitment to tackling serious and organised crime as part of Operation Venetic.

Four men have been arrested and £15,000 of suspected criminal cash seized after a four dawn raids across the North East, including one in Washington.Four men have been arrested and £15,000 of suspected criminal cash seized after a four dawn raids across the North East, including one in Washington.
Four men have been arrested and £15,000 of suspected criminal cash seized after a four dawn raids across the North East, including one in Washington.

The operation is a Europe-wide investigation into organised crime, which Northumbria Police say is the most significant operation the UK has ever seen.

Since March, the North East has seen £1.5 million of cash seized, as well as 80kg of cocaine, amphetamine, ecstasy and ketamine. Cars have also been seized and the total number of arrests now stands at 53.

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Detective Inspector Steve Pescod said: “Last week we shared some positive results from Operation Venetic and we were able to show our communities that over the past few months, we have been focused on tackling serious and organised crime in all its forms.

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“I hope yesterday’s (July 8) activity shows people that this work was not just for the cameras.

"It remains ongoing and it won’t stop until we have dismantled those organised criminal groups who think they can benefit from selling illicit substances, causing harm in our neighbourhoods and showing a blatant disregard for the law.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: "This operation is really getting a grip of what's happening and who's responsible.

"These arrests build on the huge successes reported last week and our officers will continue doing everything possible to get on top of the dealing and exploitation that causes misery to so many."

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"We need to come down hard on the individuals driving this serious violence.

"They seek out our vulnerable people to do their dirty work and take risks for their own selfish gains.”

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