SIX people have been arrested following an operation targeting the supply of drugs in the South Durham area.

Acting on intelligence from the local community, officers carried out warrants at seven properties in Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland early this morning.

Four men and a woman were arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of drugs, while another man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply cannabis.

They all remain in police custody.

A Durham Constabulary spokeswoman said: “We would like to thank members of the public for coming forward with vital pieces of intelligence that led to today’s operation.

“Drug dealing is a blight on our communities and it will not be tolerated. We would encourage anyone who has any information on potential drug dealing, or any other criminality in their area, to report it to us – we will treat the information with the confidentiality it deserves, and will always act where we can.”

Anyone who would like to report criminal activity is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.