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 | | Thursday, 29 November, 2001, 14:04 GMT Dawn raids target 'drugs gang'  The operation has concentrated on cannabis dealing Sixteen people from across the North East have been arrested by the National Crime Squad, as part of an investigation into a major drugs trafficking ring. It follows a series of dawn raids across Teesside and Newcastle, which led to the recovery of a large haul of drugs. The 18-month-long investigation, codenamed Imago, has focused on the distribution of large quantities of Class A and B drugs throughout the North East. Fourteen men and two women have been arrested for conspiracy to supply and are being held at police stations across Teesside. 'Illegal business' Officers also used a warrant to search a business address. The National Crime Squad says its believed the gang was dealing in kilos of cannabis and other drugs on a weekly basis. Chief Inspector Dave Wright, of the National Crime Squad, said: "Today's action has disrupted a major and highly organised drugs supply and distribution network spread across the North-East.
"This illegal business had the potential to make millions from the drugs trade. "This has been a long running and intensive inquiry which has shown how closely we can work with forces and other law enforcement agencies in a targeted approach to fighting serious and organised crime. "I believe we have now broken a supply chain and stopped massive amounts of drugs reaching the streets of Teesside and Tyneside." A number of people had previously been arrested as part of the operation. Customs support Those arrested today include 11 from Teesside, two from Newcastle, one from Gateshead and two women from Teesside. Officers from the National Crime Squad's Tyneside branch led the operation with support from Cleveland and Northumbria Police. During the investigation the squad was also assisted by Customs and Excise. Prior to Thursday's arrests, the investigation already resulted in the seizure of seventy kilos of cannabis, seven kilos of amphetamine, two kilos of cannabis bush and sixty five cannabis plants. | |   See also: Internet links: The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites Top England stories now:  Links to more England stories are at the foot of the page. | |||||||||||||||||||
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