Officers executed a number of search warrants at addresses in South Tyneside as well as searches of allotments at Holder House in Whiteleas.

Counterfeit clothing and perfume, �800 worth of controlled drugs, and stolen garden equipment were all recovered.

One man has been arrested in connection with the investigation and is currently helping police with their inquiries.

Police also found a CS gas canister, paraphernalia to manufacture shotgun ammunition, and stolen plant equipment, including a pneumatic drill.

A Northumberland Police spokesman said: "This is the start of a number of intelligence-led operations which will run until the new year."