Massive Seizure in Killingworth
Police and trading standards officers seized £150,000 in cash, more than 20,000 illicit cigarettes, and 465 Viagra pills during a raid on a house in Killingworth, Tyneside. The operation, conducted by Northumbria Police's neighbourhood policing team and North Tyneside Council's trading standards team, was intelligence-led.
Details of the Haul
In total, over £150,000 in cash suspected to be linked to criminal activity was recovered, along with 20,000 illicit cigarettes and hand-rolled tobacco. Additionally, 465 Viagra pills were seized. A trading standards investigation is now ongoing.
Police and Council Response
Sgt Peter Mcall, of Northumbria Police's North Tyneside area command, said: "This is a brilliant example of partnership working helping us to uncover a huge sum of cash which we believe to be the proceeds of crime as well as illicit cigarettes and tobacco. By working alongside the local authority, we are able to share intelligence and target those we think are engaging in illegal activity. This latest find also shows the value of neighbourhood policing. We are rooted in our communities and are here to listen to the concerns of local residents and take action. We rely on the public to be our eyes and ears so if you do have information which can assist in our work, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and provide details to us. Together, we can help keep our neighbourhoods as safe as possible for all."
Councillor Carl Johnson, North Tyneside Council deputy mayor, added: "This seizure highlights the strength of the partnership between North Tyneside Council's Trading Standards team and Northumbria Police. All tobacco kills but illegal tobacco is often linked to wider criminality, undermines legitimate local businesses and puts unregulated products into our communities. We will continue to work closely with our partners to investigate illegal trading, take robust enforcement action where appropriate and help keep our communities safe."
Public Appeal
Anyone with information about suspected crimes in their local area should contact Northumbria Police by sending a direct message on social media, or by using the live chat or ‘report’ function on the Force’s website, or by calling 101.
