A 60-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of committing numerous breaches of his Serious Crime Prevention Order.

He was detained at a location in Boldon Colliery, just before 6am this morning (5 July) and is now being questioned.

The order came into force after his release from prison for drug trafficking offences, and the breaches under investigation relate to the unauthorised use of mobile phones, vehicles, bank accounts and travel.

Read more: Three of the most wanted people from Tyne and Wear and Durham

The arrest was part of a National Crime Agency investigation, which carried out searches at the location in Boldon and an address in the Royal Albert Dock area of Liverpool.

Mobile devices, documents and a quantity of cash were seized, and they are now being examined by investigators.

The Northern Echo: Police officers from the NCA arresting the man, 60.Police officers from the NCA arresting the man, 60. (Image: NCA)

The operation was supported by Merseyside Police and the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU).

Alison Abbott, from the NCA’s Lifetime Management of Offenders Team, said: “These court orders are vital tools for preventing and deterring future offending. Once criminals come onto our radar, they never leave, and the NCA will take action over breaches.”

Breach of a serious crime prevention order is a criminal offence subject to a maximum sentence of five years, an unlimited fine, or both.