Seven people have been arrested following raids at two North East addresses.

Cleveland Police confirmed five men and one woman were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs when officers raided two addresses in Hartlepool at 8am today (November 17).

Officers from Hartlepool CID, Neighbourhoods and the Proactive Team executed warrants at Lowthian Road and Elliot Street.

Drugs worth £3,500, as well as weapons and £3,000 of cash, were recovered from the two properties.

Detective Sergeant Jonnie Christie from Hartlepool CID said: "We've listened to members of the community who have provided us with information on drugs activity, and I want to thank them for doing this.  

"When we received this information, we have acted swiftly and executed these warrants today which have resulted in seven arrests in total and a large quantity of drugs have been taken from our streets, along with weapons. 

"We will continue with our efforts to make Hartlepool a safer place, but we can't do this without your cooperation.  Please continue to provide information.  We will always act upon the information you provide. 

"Today's action and arrests should send a clear message to anyone intent on peddling drugs in our town, that we will be knocking on your door very soon." 

 Three men aged 31, 29 and 22 were arrested on Elliot Street on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

A fourth man who was wanted on warrant was arrested inside of the property. 

A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: “Class A drugs worth around £3000 were found inside of the property by police dog Benji, a brown Cocker Spaniel, along with £2,500 in cash, a ‘Rambo’ style knife and pepper spray. 

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“A 21-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were arrested in Lowthian Road, alongside a 41-year-old woman. 

“Drugs worth £500 and £500 in cash were recovered from inside of the property. 

“Everyone arrested was taken to police custody for questioning.”