Payback time as 'crime chiefs' arrested

Apr 15 2009 by Adam Jupp, The Journal

SUSPECTED organised crime chiefs have been arrested in a series of raids. Police yesterday launched Operation Payback 3, which is targeting people living off the proceeds of illegal activity.

Officers raided houses in Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland and seized tens of thousands of pounds in cash, vehicles and other goods.

On Lowther Close, Ashington, a 29-year-old man was arrested and goods including a plasma television, a Range Rover and documents relating to his financial assets were recovered.

In Newcastle, six premises in the city’s West End were simultaneously raided, all of which are linked to the same individual.

Officers executed warrants at three houses on Betts Avenue, two on Bilbrough Gardens and one on Slatyford Lane and a 34-year-old man was arrested.

In North Tyneside, raids were carried out on Quay View, Wallsend, Kilburn Garden and Wark Avenue, both North Shields.

Four people – one female and three males – were arrested and vehicles, drugs and a large quantity of cash was seized.