A SERIES of drugs raids in Middlesbrough resulted in the seizure of hundreds of pounds worth of cocaine, cannabis and zopliclone tablets.

Officers from Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Team and response, arrested five men and four women on suspicion of drugs offences and also recovered a canister of CS gas.

Seven people have since been released pending further enquiries, one was given a caution for possession of class A drugs, and one was referred to the Divert scheme.

The raids were carried out between November 21 and 28 at properties on Clifton Street, Jubilee Street, Garnett Street, Percy Street and two on Costa Street.

Neighbourhood Inspector Darren Birkett said: “These are multiple examples of listening to members of the public and acting on their concerns and information. We will relentlessly pursue anyone suspected of being involved in drug dealing in our local communities.

"Let this be a message that drugs activity, and the associated misery that it brings to our local residents, will not be tolerated in Middlesbrough.”

Anyone with information regarding drugs activity in their local area is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101.

Independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.