TWELVE people, including six teenagers, have been arrested for drugs offences following the latest police swoops on homes in the North-East.

After the raids, in Middlesbrough, a 16-year-old girl was arrested for a drug offence, but was later released without charge.

Two girls aged 17 and two aged 18, were also arrested and bailed pending forensic tests.

A 19-year-old youth was charged with possession and possession with intent to supply heroin, driving while disqualified, two charges of handling stolen goods and five other traffic offences.

Others arrested in the raids were three men, aged 20, 21 and 33, and three women, aged 36, 41 and 44.

The latest raids come as the Dealer a Day campaign is approaching its first anniversary.

So far, the operation has brought in drugs with a total street value of £125,000 and more than £81,000 in cash.

Superintendent Steve Ashman, chairman of the Enforcement and Community Safety Task Group, said: "Our efforts continue to disrupt the availability of drugs in Middlesbrough.

"Where the community tell us drugs are being seized, we will take action."