SIX suspected heroin dealers have been arrested during dawn raids by police.

Five homes were visited on Wednesday morning as part of pre-planned strikes in the Stanley area.

A quantity of heroin was recovered during the Durham Constabulary raids, as part of Operation Sledgehammer.

The six people arrested for conspiracy to supply class A drugs were taken in to be questioned by detectives.

Deputy Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “The local officers in Stanley will know the impact these drugs have.

“This activity will send shock waves through that community.

“Anyone tempted to engage in a criminal lifestyle should be aware we will target them ruthlessly and put them out of business.”

Those arrested included a 33-year-old woman at Blanche Terrace, Tantobie; a 41-year-old man at Park Road, South Moor; a 42-year-old man at Tennyson Gardens, Dipton; a 37-year-old man and a 30-year-old woman at Poplar Street, a 44-year-old at Fourth Street, Quaking Houses.

The action has been welcomed by Durham County Councillor Carl Marshall.

He said the use of drugs, and heroin in particular, has a devastating impact on families and communities.

Coun Marshall said: “It is good that the police are clamping down on these things.

“Drug misuse really affects to families and we know criminal activity tends to feed other criminal activity.

Coun Marshall urged anyone with concerns about drug dealing in the area to contact police.

He said: “We have seen a considerable operation in Stanley and I think the community can be reassured that when they are presented with information they will act on it.”

To report drug dealers to police call the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.