CRACK houses and dealers have been targeted as a three-month crackdown on Class A drugs gathers momentum.

During the first two weeks of Operation Crackdown, in the Cleveland Police force area, the campaign has seen one crack house shut down, the arrest of 16 people and £4,000 in cash seized.

Chief Inspector Gary Stephenson said: "A number of suspected crack houses are being targeted and their operators will be getting a surprise visit from officers in the coming weeks.

"No drug dealer should feel safe. We intend to shut down those houses and seize drugs and cash generated by their illegal activities."

The operation aims to close down crack houses within 48 hours of them being reported.

Chief Insp Stephenson said: "We need the public to be additional eyes and ears. I urge people to ring in with information, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant."

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or their local police station.