MEMBERS of a suspected organised crime gang who were found in possession of tens of thousands of pounds worth of cocaine have been arrested during a police operation.

Drugs officers arrested three men and seized 2kg of the class A drug during a raid on Thursday evening.

The intelligence-led operation was carried out in the Thompson Street area of Darlington when police stopped a car.

Three men, aged 26, 33 and 41 and all from the Darlington area were arrested and taken to custody for questioning.

Det Chf Insp Steve Chapman said the drugs were set to be tested for their purity today to determine what their street value is worth.

He said 1kg of cocaine can be worth approximately £50,000 but can be more depending how it is cut on the street.

DCI Chapman added: "The arrests around tea time last night are part of Durham Constabulary's ongoing commitment to target, disrupt, dismantle and destroy organised crime groups throughout the force area.

"This is only part of a number of ongoing operations to achieve this aim and intelligence provided by local communities goes a long way to achieve results.

"Investigations into the activities of these groups are continuing and we are confident that further arrests will be made in the coming days."

Anyone with information about drugs can contact police on 0345-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.