Fifteen drugs arrests in Sunderland dawn raids

Officers enforced drugs warrants at ten addresses across the city on Wednesday morning.

Eight men and two women - aged between 29 and 56 - were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy or being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.

A further four men and one woman were arrested this morning on Thursday morning, as warrants were carried out in Low Pallion, Upper Walworth Way, Fernville Street, Erith Terrace, Hill Rise, Village Lane and Cannon Cockin Street as part of a six-month operation aimed at disrupting drug supply.

One address in Beach Road in South Shields was also targeted.

Chief Inspector Jerry Pearson said: "The impact of drugs and drug supply on our communities is well known, it is often associated with other crimes and anti-social behaviour and the more we can do to disrupt drug dealers - at whatever level - and prevent drugs from getting onto our streets the better. "The past two days has seen us carry out a coordinated response to arrest those we suspect to be involved in supplying controlled drugs. Eight men and women were arrested yesterday morning, and a further five people were arrested this morning. "We're committed to taking action against those who cause the most harm to protect our local communities, in particular those who may be more vulnerable, and we will not tolerate behaviour that causes our communities concern. "This operation is just one of the examples of the action we take to make the city safer and our efforts don't stop here, we will continue to pursue suspected drug dealers and other criminals on a daily basis to disrupt their criminality." Those arrested have been bailed. To report information about drugs and drugs supply ring Northumbria Police on 101.