ELEVEN people were arrested in a series of co-ordinated drug raids across the North-East this morning.
Police carried out raids targetting suspected drug dealers at 10 homes throughout the region in an operation led by Durham Constabulary.
Homes were raided in South Hetton, Haswell, Shildon, Peterlee, Shotton Colliery and Bishop Auckland in County Durham as well as Hartlepool, Ryhope and South Shields.
All those arrested were detained for conspiracy to supply class A drugs and are currently being interviewed by detectives.
The action forms part of Operation Sledgehammer, which was launched in 2010 to combat organised crime in County Durham and Darlington.
Leading the investigation, Detective Inspector Graeme Pallas of Durham Constabulary, said: “Today’s action is a result of a long-running, ongoing police investigation which aims to tackle those suspected of being involved in drugs offences.
“We are determined to dismantle, disrupt and destroy the networks of those involved in drug dealing who blight our communities.”
Anyone with information about drug-dealing in their area can call the police on 101 or call Crimestoppers confidentially on 0800-555-111.
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