SIX people have been arrested for suspected drugs and money laundering offences this morning.

More than 40 police officers were involved in Operation Bream, which led to arrests in Witton Gilbert, Langley Park, Stanley, Hetton-le-Hole and Houghton-le-Spring.

Five men and one woman, aged 26 to 53, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

Five of the six were also arrested on suspicion of money laundering, the exception being a 34-year-old man from Stanley.

The six are in police custody and will be interviewed later today.