ONE of the biggest co-ordinated drugs raids to target North-East drug dealers has seen dozens of police officers descend on homes and businesses in the region.

More than 150 officers and council staff have been involved in a large-scale anti-drugs operation since 8am on Wednesday morning, with 18 arrests being made in connection with drugs-related offences.

Cleveland Police led the synchronised raids in 17 homes and businesses, all within a four-mile radius in the Newport area of Middlesbrough.

An air rifle, a quantity of drugs, cigarettes and cash have been seized during Operation Linen, which has involved police officers using warrants to enter properties allegedly linked to drugs.

Above, cigarettes are seized from the boot of a car parked on Romney Street, Middlesbrough, during the raids

The raids also involved support from the North East Regional Special Operations Unit (NERSOU), which combines intelligence from the Cleveland force, Durham Police and Northumbria Police.

Operation Linen was sparked after residents in the area lodged numerous complaints over suspected drug activity in the Newport ward.

One concerned resident was forced to write to Cleveland Police’s Chief Constable Iain Spittal, personally pleading with him to rid the neighbourhood of its problems.

Police officers were also joined by officers from Cleveland Fire Brigade, Middlesbrough Borough Council and the Environment Agency for the multi-organisation operation this morning.

Cleveland Police custody officers have also been on hand to refer those with drug problems to specialist agencies.

Chief Superintendent John Lyons, of Cleveland Police, who is co-ordinating the operation, said: “We appreciate there is significant disruption for Newport residents this morning.  The target addresses are all within about a half-mile radius and we have dozens of people involved so the area is full of activity today.

“However, tackling crime and the associated harm and ASB linked to drug dealing is an absolute priority for the force so it was vital we took action.   The law abiding majority of residents had had enough of crime which was making life a misery for them.

“I hope today’s activity reassures residents of all our communities that we will not tolerate those who cause harm by dealing drugs in our communities.

“Similarly we will not tolerate organised crime groups who travel to Cleveland to carry out criminality.

“The public can play its part by telling us what is going on in their neighbourhoods.  We will always take proportionate action on any viable information we are given.

“They may not see a response that week or even that month but with the help and support of our partner agencies, we will always do all we can to bring perpetrators before the courts.

“Today’s activity means we are taking a number of suspected drug dealers off the streets.  We recognise that drug users will see an effect in terms of supply and for that reason anyone with drug misuse issues will be offered referral to specialist organisations."

He said there would be patrols  in the Newport area who residents could approach and offer information which could help police. People are also encouraged to use the independent charity Crimestoppers where information can be passed by their website www.crimestoppers-org.uk or by phoning 0800 555 111 in confidence.

Locations and results of today's raids:

  • Selbourne Street, Middlesbrough – Around £2000 worth of heroin recovered.

33-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug class A

  • Maddren Way, Middlesbrough – around £1000 worth of heroin recovered.

33-year-old man and a 16-year-old man (boy) arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug class A.

38-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A.

  • Ross Street, Middlesbrough – around £150 heroin recovered.

32-year-old man and a 36-year-old man arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug class A.

  • Letitia Street, Middlesbrough – large quantity of cash recovered.

33-year-old man arrested on suspicion of possession of criminal property.

  • Marton Road, Middlesbrough.

36-year-old man arrested on suspicion of possession of class A drug.

  • Aske Road, Middlesbrough

Three men aged 24, 25 and 31 arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug class A.

 

  • Tennyson Street, Middlesbrough

29-year-old man arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug class A.

 

  • Marton Road, Middlesbrough

60-year-old man arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drug class A.

 

  • Park Road North,Middlesbrough

39-year-old man arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drug class A.

 

  • Cannon Park, Middlesbrough

42-year-old man arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug.

 

  • Essex Street Middlesbrough

39-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug class A.

 

  • Parliament Road, Middlesbrough

22-year-old man arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug class A.