HEROIN dealing at a seaside town has been dealt a body blow, claim police.

An undercover police operation has led to 25 arrests in Redcar, 19 people charged with conspiracy to supply heroin, supplying heroin and possession with intent to supply heroin.

Of those charged, 15 remain in custody.

Police say the covert Operation Jericho has had a massive effect on the availability of the Class A drug in and around Redcar.

There has been a marked decrease in burglary and theft from motor vehicles and an increase in people asking for drug treatment.

Det Sgt Mick Knapper, of Langbaurgh Police Drug Unit, said: "We are extremely pleased with the results this operation has brought.

"It shows what a small team of police officers using up-to-date intelligence and information provided by the local community can achieve.''

Insp Dave Mead, who was the senior investigating officer for the operation, said: "The public are sick and tired of drug dealers openly dealing on our streets. Some of those targeted in this operation thought they were untouchable.

"This clearly sends out a message that there is no such thing. If people who choose to supply controlled drugs ignore the warnings, the drug unit will come looking for them. They will be caught and sent to jail."

Operation Jericho, which was aimed at taking heroin dealers off the streets of Redcar, began in January with 15 people identified as the main core of heroin dealers in the Redcar area.

A three-month long covert police operation followed.