Sixty arrests have been made amid a crackdown on County Lines cross-border drug dealing.

A week of action by Northumbria Police saw the execution of warrants on multiple properties in Sunderland, Newcastle, Forest Hall and Northumberland.

£39,890 of suspected criminal cash were confiscated, alongside drugs including heroin, crack, cocaine and cannabis, and steroids, reaching a street value of approximately £24,000.

Confiscated weapons included machetes and zombie knives.

48 mobile phones were also seized.

A 17-year-old male from Sunderland was convicted of supplying Class A drugs within 24 hours. He has since been bailed and awaits sentencing next month.

Chief Super Intendent Neil Hutchison said: "As a Force we are determined to protect our communities from the threats of violence, exploitation and wider criminality associated with County Lines drug dealing

“This week of action is not an exception but an extension of the work going on year-round to shut down the supply chains and disrupt and dismantle the criminal groups trying to make money through the exploitation and abuse of others."

The activity was supported by officers from the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU).

Anyone who suspects that something not quite right is happening in the community should contact Northumbria Police via the website, by calling 101, or by calling 999 in an emergency.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or go to https://crimestoppers-uk.org/