HOMES in Middlesbrough were raided by police early this morning (Monday) as part of a major operation to smash a drugs gang bringing heroin into the North-East.

Five people were arrested after nine homes were raided by more than 60 officers, co-ordinated by the North East Regional Specialist Operations Unit (NERSOU) and the National Crime Agency, as part of the operation to crack down on drugs routes into the region.

Eight of the homes raided were in the Grove Hill area of Middlesbrough and one in Acklam. Police entered one Grove Hill home this morning through an unlocked door and arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.

A further four were arrested on suspicion of possessing Class A and Class B drugs.

All five were later released on bail pending further enquiries.

The warrants were executed as part of Operation Exit, a joint initiative led by the National Crime Agency. Police were hoping to seize evidence from the homes that were searched.

DI Warren Hawes, of NERSOU, said: "We had officers from Cleveland Police supported by the National Crime Agency and officers from NERSOU. This was to combat the heroin supply in Middlesbrough coming from Halifax.

"Over the last few months there have been significant seizures and arrests mostly in Halifax but we believed heroin has been supplied into Middlesbrough."

He said some of the heroin seized in Halifax and from drug couriers in recent months had been in excess of 35 kilos.

Barry Coppinger, Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "Today’s action is a result of police acting upon concerns expressed by the law abiding majority in our communities.

"Drug dealing and associated anti-social behaviour and crime can have a detrimental effect on residents’ quality of life and I would like to reassure them that tackling drug issues remains a priority for the force.

"Officers are determined to continue to work with local people to keep drugs out of their communities and they will always act upon any information on drugs dealing that they receive."

Officials from Middlesbrough Council and housing associations also attended the raids to check if any drugs-related issues had breached tenancy agreements.