A WEEK-long crackdown targeting drug dealers and other known criminals has netted police property worth thousands and led to a dozen arrests.

Detectives executed more than 20 magistrates' warrants at addresses in the Consett, Chester-le-Street and Durham areas between last Monday and Friday.

The week of action saw police follow up a series of tip-offs about suspected criminal activities, particularly fears over drug dealing.

Acting Superintendent Andy Summerbell, divisional commander for Chester-le-Street and Durham, said: "The purpose of the operation was to make the best use of the intelligence we had acquired and to disrupt the criminal markets in the north of the county.

"Those who continue to break the law should be aware we know who they are and what they are up to. Anyone who did not get a visit last week can rest assured they will soon be getting one."

Quantities of drugs including amphetamine and cannabis were recovered from houses in the Chester-le-Street area.

In Sacriston, a stolen Kawasaki motorbike was recovered from a house in Lilac Avenue, while various power tools, CD players, car stereos and mobile phones were found at an address in Coniston Drive.

In Derwentside, significant finds included cocaine with a street value of £3,000, from a house in the Delves Lane area.

Officers also recovered car body parts and an engine thought to be from a stolen 3 series BMW car found in a lock-up in Annfield Plain and stolen pedal cycles, a stolen motor scooter and a firearm from a house in Hollyhill Gardens East, in Stanley.

Nine of those arrested were released on police bail while inquiries continue.

The other three are a 29-year-old man from Bournmoor who has been charged with possession of a controlled drug and a 36-year-old man from Sacriston who faces the same charge. Both will appear before Consett Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

A woman in her forties from Durham has been given a formal caution for handling stolen goods.