A SECOND day of drug raids across Hartlepool yesterday morning brought a further nine arrests.

Officers tackling drugs supply and exploitation across the town have executed warrants at least 19 addresses, with a total of 22 arrests made in connection with drugs offences.

The activity is part of Operation Sentinel, a shared commitment between Cleveland Police, Northumbria Police and Durham Constabulary to disrupt and prevent organised crime.

Officers yesterday were at addresses on Wynyard Mews, Dent Street, Grange Road, Furness Street, Shakespeare Street and Charterhouse Street.

Nine people remain in police custody, 11 have been released under investigation pending further enquiries, one 39-year-old man was released without charge and a 25-year-old woman has been charged with being concerned in the supply of class A drugs.

Detective Inspector Dave Glass, from the Vulnerable, Exploited, Missing and Trafficked Team (VEMT) said: “Today’s arrests are part of ongoing activity across the town to not only tackle drugs offences, but to also tackle the exploitation that goes hand in hand with that and make sure that we identify any vulnerability.

“In total we have so far arrested 22 people on suspicion of drugs offences and we will be offering diversion opportunities through our partners in drug treatment services to get people the help they need.

“There have been an increased number of deaths related to drugs in the Hartlepool area, which is part of the reason for this action and why it is all the more important to offer people treatment.”