Money-laundering raids see three arrests

Image source, Northumbria Police

Image caption, Officers raided five properties in Newcastle and Washington

A crackdown on money laundering has seen three people arrested and the seizure of about 拢100,000 in cash, drugs and jewellery.

Morning raids at five addresses in Newcastle and Washington, Sunderland, were carried out by the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (Nerocu) and Northumbria Police.

Warrants had been issued for properties at Losh Terrace, in Walker, Newcastle, as well as at Westernmoor, Fatfield Park and two units on the Armstrong Industrial Estate, all in Washington.

A 37-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of money laundering, while a 46-year-old man was arrested for possession with intent to supply controlled drugs.

Officers said 拢33,000 in cash was discovered alongside drugs with an estimated street value of 拢60,000 and "a large amount of high-value jewellery".

Det Sgt James Woodcock, of Nerocu, said it showed officers were "making significant inroads" in their attempts to crackdown on money laundering and drugs in the region.

He added: "By executing simultaneous strikes, we're able to ensure there is no place to hide."

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