A WOMAN has been allegedly caught in the act of preparing crack cocaine for sale.

She was arrested during raids in the Belle Vue area of Hartlepool on Monday.

Crack with a value of £2,000 was recovered from the address by police and more than £2,000 cash.

Police reported that they found the woman, aged 48, cutting up deals of crack. Officers found a 3in by 2in lump of the drug as well as 26 individual rocks and a further six rocks bagged up ready for sale. A set of scales was in the room with a further single rock being weighed. The scales and other paraphernalia have been taken for examination.

The raid was one of several made in the Belle Vue area by Hartlepool Police Drugs Unit, the community police team and the street crime unit.

Two other women, aged 24 and 16, were arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled drug with intent to supply. All three were interviewed by detectives and later released on police bail pending forensic tests.

Detective Sergeant Chris Stephenson, of Hartlepool CID, said: "These latest raids form part of our ongoing proactive approach of tackling the drugs trade in Hartlepool.

"Yesterday's success means yet more Class A drugs have been removed from our town's streets and I want to remind other drug dealers that there will no let-up in our efforts to identify, target and prosecute you.

"We have further raids planned and it is only a matter of time before we come knocking on your door.

"I'd also appeal to members of the public to play their part with good quality, up-to-date information about drug dealing in their community."

Anyone with information can call the Hartlepool drugs unit in confidence on (01642) 302179