Four arrests as police seize a haul of drugs, cash and weapons in South Tyneside
Police are continuing to crackdown on suspected illegal drug supply in South Tyneside.
Northumbria Police made four arrests over three days as they seized a haul of drugs and weapons in the borough.
On Friday, January 16, officers from South Tyneside’s Neighbourhood Support Team (NST) swooped in on a man they spotted and believed to be drug dealing while on an e-bike at the rear of Ocean Road, in South Shields.
Upon the arrest of the man, who is in his 30s, police recovered approximately £1,490 in cash and £200-worth of suspected cocaine from the man’s bag as well as seizing the e-bike.
On Saturday, January 17, Northumbria Police’s Serious Violence Disruption Unit (SVDU) spotted a man acting suspiciously on Lemon Street, also in South Shields.
The man, who is in his 20s, was stop/searched and was found to be in possession of six bags of suspected cocaine, £335 cash and a mobile phone - with officers arresting him on suspicion possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply.
Upon a search of the man’s address, police located 12 cannabis plants and two swords.
Then on Monday, January 19, police executed a warrant at an address on Morris Avenue following community intelligence.
At the address, they uncovered around £20,000-worth of Class C drugs, including suspected prescription medications, such as Pregablins, Steroids, Morphine, tanning injections, and weight loss medication.
Officers also seized 21 knives, on sword, a knuckle duster and £2,500 in cash.
A man and a woman, both in their 50s, were arrested on possession of a Class C drug with intent to supply.
Northumbria Police have confirmed that all four people have been released on police bail as their inquiries continue.
Chief Inspector Phil Baker, of Northumbria Police, said: “Criminality such as drug supply is not something anyone should have to see happening on their doorstep or in their communities.
“And it is absolutely not something we’re prepared to accept as a Force.
“This was a great team effort between several teams who work across South Tyneside.
“I’d like to thank the Neighbourhood Support Team for building intelligence around the suspected offending to make these warrants and stop/searches successful.
“I’d also like to thank members of public who continue to report suspicious behaviour in their local areas.
“It’s thanks to your help and information that we’re able to successfully tackle the issues that matter to you the most.”
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