POLICE say drug use is not rampant in Seaham, despite complaints from residents.

People in the former mining town said they have seen users inject themselves near the new £1m police station, and that drug deals are made openly in nearby streets.

They also said elderly people are frightened to leave their homes.

But Detective Chief Inspector Brian Tait said the police are targeting the problem.

"We are not pretending there isn't a problem with substance abuse in Seaham but it must be put in context.

"While local people naturally have concerns, I have to say the situation in Seaham is no worse than anywhere else in the county.

"Nevertheless, we have put in places measures to tackle drugs in a variety of ways."

He added: "Many of these, such as targeting known dealers, are steps we have been taking for some time.

"But in the light of recent concerns about drugs taken in public, high-visibility police patrols will be stepped up, especially around schools.''

Police plan to hold meetings with local councillors to explain what they are doing.

Det Chief Insp Tait said: "We have been quite successful in disrupting the activities of dealers and users in the last few months."

At the weekend, police searched 18 people suspected of using or dealing drugs in Seaham.

A 31-year-old from Murton was arrested and nine bags of powder found in his car. It has been sent for analysis to see if it is cocaine. He was bailed.

A 32-year-old was arrested on suspicion of possessing heroin and bailed.

Two 19-year-olds were arrested for cannabis possession. One was cautioned and the other charged.