A DRUG gang member who was part of an £8m heroin operation has gone on the run.

Paul French, 24, who pleaded guilty to supplying heroin, was bailed to be sentenced at Teesside Crown Court, in Middlesbrough, on December 27.

He was arrested as part of an operation codenamed Bridport, which was carried out by Cleveland Police's Organised Crime Unit.

Another eight men, all from the Middlesbrough area, were sent to prison for a combined total of 33 years.

Teesside Crown Court was told that their operation was worth about £8m a year.

Millions of pounds, thought to have been sent abroad, have not been recovered by police.

The gang made more than 10,000 calls using two mobile phones to set up deals between November 2003 and March last year.

French, previously of Percy Street, Middlesbrough, was a supplier in the gang.

The court heard he would make up to 30 deals a day.

Police, who have issued a warrant for his arrest, believe he is still in the Middlesbrough area.

Detective Sergeant Chris Sadler said the public should not approach him.

He said: "We have had information that Paul French may have injuries to his face as a result of an assault.

"It is inevitable that he eventually be arrested and I would urge him to give himself up.

"We intend to arrest and charge anyone who has helped French and by staying out in the streets he will only bring trouble to those trying to help him."

Other gang members who appeared in court were Tabrez Khan, 25, of Waterloo Road, Kerry Bogan, 20, Costa Street, Michael Arundel, 24, of Belvedere Road, Michael Saunders, 21, of Kelsall Close, Naveed Gulbhar, 22 of Park Lane and James Rutherford, 23, of Sedgebrook Gardens.

Anyone with information about French is asked to call Cleveland Police in confidence on (01642) 326326.