THE first month of a project aimed at ridding the streets of drug dealers in Langbaurgh has been hailed a success.

Sixty arrests have been made during 46 police raids across the district as part of the Dealer A Day campaign.

Police have recovered drugs with a street value of £10,000 including heroin, crack cocaine and Ecstasy, as well as more than £9,500 in cash.

The campaign, headed by Chief Superintendent Adrian Roberts, targets street-level drug dealers and follows the success of the scheme in Middlesbrough, where more than 700 people have been arrested and drugs valued at £420,000 have been recovered.

Mr Roberts said: "The campaign has got off to a great start and life is already getting tougher for the dealers. I would particularly like to thank members of the public who have been providing us with much of the intelligence behind these results."

Ten people have been charged with supplying drugs, a further 12 people charged with possession of drugs and 29 people are on police bail pending forensic results.

Mr Roberts said the initiative would only succeed with the help of the public and urged those who have perhaps been hesitant to speak out to follow the example set by others and talk to the police in confidence.

The officer added: "Our ability to tackle the scourge of drug dealing in your neighbourhood is in your hands. My pact with the public stands -if you provide us with accurate and detailed information about dealers we will conduct no less than 365 raids per year."

Chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, Councillor Ken Walker, said he hoped the success of the first month of Dealer A Day in Langbaurgh would encourage people to come forward.

He said: "The message to the drug dealers must be loud and clear, the public and the police are united in their determination that their evil trade will be driven out and they will be brought to justice."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on (01642) 326326.