A CAMPAIGN to stamp out drug dealing netted its 200th arrest during a police operation yesterday.

Darlington police made five arrests and found what they believe to be cannabis during the latest Operation Nimrod raids.

More than 80 officers were involved in the operation, which targeted nine addresses in terraced houses in the North Road, Brinkburn Road, Whinfield and Bank Top areas of the town.

It followed similar raids last week when 15 people were arrested, of whom eight were remanded in custody.

Operation Nimrod was launched in the town last April. Raids have also been conducted in other parts of County Durham. Yesterday’s raid was the 13th.

Chief Inspector Chris Reeves, from Darlington police, said before the raids that it was his vision to make it impossible to buy drugs on the streets of the town.

Inspector Steve Steen said yesterday: “Last week we went for the main dealers.

This morning was a follow-up to that. This week was catching the rest.

“The information we have been getting is that we have seen a decrease since last week and even a decrease in the number of shop-lifting offences in town.

“Once the operation is finished, we will still be getting information from the public and we will act on that.

“The raids may not be as big but we will still be doing them.”

As a result of further information from last week’s raid, another arrest was made earlier this week.

Officers remained in the areas during the day to speak to neighbours and to gather more intelligence.

Other members of the community, including local councillors, were invited to witness yesterday morning’s raids.

Councillor Lee Vasey, who represents the Eastbourne ward, said: “These raids are telling the community about the action.

“It is also telling the drug dealers that there is no hiding place.”

Anyone with information about drug dealing can contact police on 0345-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555-111.