The raids targeted a multi-million pound cocaine network and witnessed operations in London, the west Midlands, north Yorkshire, County Durham, Middlesbrough , Northumbria, Stockton and Hartlepool.

Sean Price, chief constable of Cleveland police, said: "Today's action strikes at the very heart of a lucrative drugs network. The aim is to take out not just street level dealers but the masterminds behind this evil trade."

Operation Sabre targeted a group which police believe has been bringing crack cocaine into the north-east of the UK from Jamaica using mainly female drug couriers.

The latest raid is linked to Operation Logan, an ongoing initiative involving Cleveland and Durham police designed to disrupt crack cocaine supply.

Dave Lamplough, a detective inspector with Cleveland's organised crime unit, said the operation aimed to "take out all the key players of this gang from the top downwards".

"We have had numerous strikes on members of this gang in the past but this time, armed with intelligence we have gathered over several months, we intend to stop their activities for good," he added.

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