FIVE suspected drug dealers have been arrested on suspicion of supplying heroin after a month-long operation.

Police today carried out early morning raids at three addresses in Chester-le-Street as part of an operation targeting suspected heroin dealers in the town.

Houses in Pennine Avenue, The Stellas and Pine Street were raided at around 7am this morning and two men were arrested on suspicion of being involved in the supply of class A drugs.

Police searches have continued throughout the day, with a team of 20 officers including members of the neighbourhood policing team backed up by detectives from the serious crime team and specialist drugs dogs.

The two men arrested during this morning’s operation are currently in custody at Durham police station and are due to be interviewed later today.

This morning’s raids follow an operation in the town four weeks ago, when three men were arrested on suspicion of being involved in the supply of Class A drugs and what officers describe as “a substantial amount of heroin” was seized.

Officers say they have been planning the Operation Convex raids for several months, prompted by local residents' concerns about people dealing in class 'A' drugs, especially heroin.

Inspector Paul Gray, head of neighbourhood policing in Chester-le-Street, said: "Our message is that dealing in drugs will not be tolerated in Chester-le-Street and we are determined to identify those responsible and take action against them.

“At the same time, anyone who has genuine concerns about their own substance misuse can be reassured there is help available for them and in the first instance I would advise them to contact their GP.

"Drug addiction not only affects the individual but their family and the wider community. Low level crime, such as theft, will increase as most addicts try to fund their habits.

By stopping the open supply of drugs we will hopefully re-route addicts into recovery and rehabilitation. This operation is relentless and will continue to target dealers who blight our communities”.

If members of the public suspect anyone of dealing in drugs, they can call Durham police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.