(Image: Northumbria Police)
Eight people were arrested and weapons, drugs, suspected unregulated slimming jabs and cash were seized during a day of targeted police activity.
Northumbria Police carried out Operation Impact to tackle key criminal problems affecting the community in South Tyneside.
Officers carried out enforcement and prevention work across the district on Friday October 9.
An early-morning raid in South Shields uncovered four weapons, including two machetes, a Taser, drugs and a large amount of cash.
Police dogs helped officers search the premises.
Northumbria Police officer makes an arrest as part of Operation Impact targeting drug trade
Three men aged 29, 37 and 46 were arrested on suspicion of possessing offensive weapons.
All three were released on bail under investigation.
A second South Shields warrant led to the seizure of unregulated slimming jabs, snap-bags, scales and a large amount of cash.
Unregulated slimming jabs seized by police in day of action to disrupt drugs trade and associated illegal activity in South Tyneside
Police arrested five more people for offences including breaching visa conditions and failing to appear in court.
Officers also carried out patrols across South Tyneside.
Illegally-made cash seized by police in raids in South Tyneside
Chief Inspector Phil Baker, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is what policing is about, disrupting criminals and getting dangerous weapons and drugs off the street.
“It was a highly proactive day of enforcement, disruption and community engagement.
Machetes seized by police in day of activity against drug trade and associated illegal activities in South Tyneside
“We are committed to being there for the public when they need us most, as well as listening to their concerns and tackling issues that matter in local communities.
“We’d urge people to continue working with us by sharing information about suspected criminality to help us to take action against those who think it is acceptable to cause disruption in their neighbourhoods.”