Customs and Excise targeted Newcastle and Durham Tees Valley airports as well as Teesport and the North Shields International Ferry Terminal.

Officials seized over 3.8 million cigarettes, 19kg of herbal cannabis and �18,000 in cash, as well vehicles and offensive weapons.

Four people have been arrested and bailed pending further inquiries.

Fred Simmons, head of detection for the North East, said: "These operations demonstrate our ability to target those involved in the smuggling and distribution of illicit goods, and our commitment to tackling this problem.

"Further operations are planned across the north east."