Fourteen vehicles, including a BMW X5 and two Mercedes, and a haul of drugs have been seized during a police raid.

Thirteen men, aged 21 to 72, were arrested in Darlington on suspicion of several offences, including money laundering, possession with intent to supply, disqualified driving, and animal cruelty.

Officers visited various premises and carried out traffic stops to disrupt those who are believed to be selling drugs and exploiting vulnerable people.

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Three Dachshund dogs were found during a search of one of the properties but all three have since died as they were in such a poor condition.

The operation by Durham Constabulary also saw fourteen vehicles seized during the operation, including a BMW X5, Mercedes A-Class, and Mercedes E Class, along with drugs and cash.

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Officers worked with the DVLA and RSPCA to target gangs believed to be involved in so-called county lines, where vulnerable people are used to carry, store and sell drugs.

Inspector Dean Haythornthwaite, from Darlington Neighbourhood Police Team, said: "Drug dealing and its associated criminality is a blight on our communities and it will not be tolerated.

"We are constantly gathering intelligence to disrupt and dismantle these networks who seek to profit from the misery of others.

“These latest arrests and seizures were a result of the intelligence we have gathered during recent months around people who exploit vulnerable people for their own criminal gains.

"If you know a vulnerable person who may be involved in county lines, or you simply see something that doesn’t look right, then please report it so we can act on it."

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