Cocaine and crystal meth with an estimated street value of up to £11 million have been uncovered by police.
Officers from Northumbria Police have confirmed that it stands as one of the largest seizures of its kind in the North East.
In total, three vehicles were searched and discovered a total of 50kg of cocaine and 30kg of crystal meth.
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Police say the drugs have been taken out of the hands of suspected dealers under the banner of Operation Sentinel as part of a crackdown on serious and organised crime.
Yesterday (Thursday), officers from Northumbria Police, with the support of colleagues from Cleveland Police and North East Regional Special Operations Unit (NERSOU), carried out three separate co-ordinated vehicle stops in Cleveland and North Yorkshire following intelligence relating to suspected drugs offences.
Three men, 31, 35 and 42, were arrested on suspicion of possessing a Class A drug with the intent to supply and currently remain in police custody.
Detective Inspector Marc Michael, from Northumbria Police, who oversaw the strike operation, said: “This is another fantastic outcome where officers have been able to seize a significant amount of drugs from suspected dealers.
“This type of activity forms part of our ongoing commitment to tackle serious and organised crime through our dedicated initiative Operation Sentinel.
“We know the harmful impact illegal drugs can have on individuals and our wider communities.
“We will continue to target anyone suspected of being involved in organised crime and stop them in their tracks to ensure our communities remain safe and the most vulnerable are protected.”
Anyone who has information about criminality in their area is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101. Alternatively you can pass on information via independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always ring 999.
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