Operation Northern Engage targeted repeat offenders and increasing crime trends across the southern part of the NSW Police Northern Region.

The operation took place at Cessnock and Singleton between 3pm and 11pm on Wednesday, and then at Lake Macquarie during the same time on Thursday.

Officers from Hunter Valley and Lake Macquarie police districts were supported by 25 police from units including the High-Risk Domestic Violence Offender Team, the High-Visibility Police Unit, the Police Dog Unit, the Hunter Region Enforcement Squad, Operation Utah officers and operational staff.

Among the arrests, a 28-year-old woman was taken to Cessnock Police Station after a roadside drug test returned a positive result.

A 17-year-old female and 20-year-old man were allegedly found to have methylamphetamine in the car with them when stopped by police at Speers Point. Police said the teenager was allegedly driving without a licence.

A 33-year-old man will face court after he was arrested for allegedly contravening an AVO, domestic violence-related assault and driving whilst disqualified.

A 29-year-old man was charged with supplying and possessing a prohibited drug - he will face Maitland Local Court in July.

And a 17-year-old male was allegedly found in possession of cannabis, MDMA and a knife at Heddon Greta. Police said he would be dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

"Policing has certainly looked different in the past few months, but officers across the Hunter have continued their daily duties - targeting repeat offenders and keeping crime rates down," Northern Region operations manager Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey said.

"This operation is just another example of how we can continue to utilise our resources in innovative and productive ways."

Similar operations will continue across the Northern Region.

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