A SERIES of raids across Hartlepool saw seven people arrested and quantities of suspected Class A drugs, associated paraphernalia, a large amount of cash and suspected stolen goods recovered.

Cleveland Police targeted the Owton Manor area in a bid to disrupt the supply of controlled drugs which officers suspect are being brought into Hartlepool from other areas of the country.

During Operation Otley, dozens of officers searched six addresses – four in Wynyard Mews, one in Lanark Road and one on Duncan Road.

  • A 51-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of absconding from prison;
  • A 49-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs;
  • A 35-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs;
  • A 26-year-old was arrested on suspicion of money laundering;
  • A 34-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of breaching a community order;
  • A 38-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs;
  • A 30-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of money laundering.

All were taken into custody at Hartlepool Police Office where they will be questioned.

Neighbourhoods Sergeant Adrian Dack, who co-ordinated the raids, said: “This was an extremely successful operation and demonstrates that if members of the public continue to come to us with information, we will act upon it.

“Drug dealing and the associated crime which often goes with it can blight neighbourhoods and spoil quality of life for the law-abiding majority. I’d urge anyone with information on drug activity in their community to tell police. You may not see action taken that day or even that week but rest assured we will be working hard behind the scenes to put together operations like we’ve run today.”

Anyone with information on drug dealing can contact Cleveland Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.