A SOCIAL media post helped police arrest a man on suspicion of drugs offences.
Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston used facebook to appeal to residents to come forward with information that could help police tackle drug dealing in the town.
Members of the community responded and resulted in a targeted, plain-clothed policing operation in the Boynton Road area of Grove Hill.
Two plain-clothed officers on patrol on November 19 spotted a vehicle with three men inside who were reportedly acting suspiciously.
The officers stopped the men and searched all three, one of whom was allegedly in possession of a large amount of cannabis.
A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class B drugs. He has since been released under investigation whilst enquiries continue. A second man was given a warning for possession of cannabis.
Following the stop, officers searched an address on Ottawa Road in Grove Hill, where drugs paraphernalia and cash were recovered.
Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Sergeant Chris Turner, said: “This shows just how important it is for local residents to come to us with information they may have with regards to drugs activity in their area. People shouldn’t have to suffer and if we know about what’s happening, then we can act upon it. Whether the information comes directly to us, or via partner agencies, doesn’t matter.
"We’re all working together with the same common aim; to rid the town of drugs and the associated misery that comes with it.
“In this case a simple response on social media has resulted in some real intelligence which we were able to develop a plan of action around.
"We adapted our shifts to act upon the intelligence and this resulted in the recovery of cannabis and drugs paraphernalia and one male arrested.”
Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston said: “It’s great to see info from residents and the use of social media lead to results like this.
"I urge all residents to report suspicious behaviour as soon as they see it.”
Anyone with information regarding drugs activity in their local area is asked to call Cleveland Police on 101 or report it online here
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