DRUG raids across the Cleveland Police force area have netted more than a million pounds worth of drugs in the first six months of this year.

Since the beginning of the year, the force's Community Drugs Enforcement Team has recovered amphetamine, cannabis resin, cocaine and heroin and 1,761 cannabis plants, worth around £1,284,000 in street value.

Successful drugs recoveries include one in February when around £10,000 worth of suspected class A and B drugs along with cash and suspected stolen power tools were found in three addresses on Grove Street in Stockton.

In the same month officers also recovered 90 cannabis plants at addresses in raids on Cobden Street and Caithness Road in Hartlepool.

In June, two unconnected cannabis farms were found in neighbouring properties on Lansdowne Road in Middlesbrough. Around 120 plants were discovered in the loft of a property which had caused a fire, leading to officers entering an adjoining property and discovering a further 12 plants.

A further cannabis farm was discovered in Grangetown on Thursday, June 15, again after a report of a fire. A total of 15 mature cannabis plants were found in an address on Arundel Road.

Inspector Tony Cross, from Cleveland Police’s Community Drugs Enforcement Team, said: “Seizing drugs from criminals takes them off the streets of Cleveland and prevents harm.

"This success is down to the help and support that we get from the people of Cleveland themselves, who come forward with information regarding drugs activity, alongside intelligence-led policing.

“I would continue to urge anyone with information to get in contact with us. These results show that we are taking action against those who deal drugs in the area and we will continue to do so.

“Anyone with information is asked to call Cleveland Police via the non-emergency number 101.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Barry Coppinger praised their efforts, saying: “Drugs and the associated antisocial behaviour can make the lives of local residents a misery.

"I hear of cases like these at the community meetings I attend and I am very pleased to be able to feedback on the good work that is being carried out right across Cleveland to tackle these problems.

"The dedication of the drugs team and officers across the Force in tackling drugs is very valued.”