NINE people have been arrested after a series of drugs raids early this morning.

The action was the first stage in a major drugs crackdown in the Spennymoor and Ferryhill areas of County Durham.

Properties in Chilton and St Helen Auckland, near Bishop Auckland, were also raided.

It follows months of investigative work by specialist officers targeting suspected heroin dealers.

Up to 100 officers were involved in this morning’s operation which targeted suspects at their home in dawn raids.

All those arrested have been taken to Darlington police station for questioning.

Chief Inspector Vicki Martin said: "This operation is one of the largest of its type and is part of Durham Constabulary’s commitment to protecting neighbourhoods, tackling criminals and solving problems around the clock.

"The arrests were a direct results of people raising concerns about the supply of heroin in these areas.

"In some cares there has been open dealing on the streets, this is simply not acceptable.

"Drug dealing is not a single crime, it leads to other crimes being committed.

"We are determined that local communities are protected from this type of activity and we value the support of local people helping make their communities safer."