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Properties searched in drugs raid Drugs raids move into second day
(about 18 hours later)
Hundreds of police officers have raided properties in a major operation against suspected drug dealers. Police have made further arrests on Teesside as a major operation against suspected drugs dealers moved into its second day.
About 300 officers were involved in the raids on Teesside from the early hours. Homes in Middlesbrough were targeted early on Thursday and 21 people, 14 men and seven women, were arrested.
Cleveland Police said the action came in response to the area being seen as a hub for the crack cocaine network in the north-east of England. Of the 31 people arrested on Wednesday, 13 have been charged with drug offences and 13 released on police bail pending further inquiries.
So far 31 people have been arrested - 22 men and nine women. Officers have also recovered heroin worth £5,600 and £3,000 in cash. Police say the remaining five will be dealt with on unrelated matters.
Officers were joined by forensic experts and staff from other partner agencies for the operation. Crack cocaine, heroin and ecstasy have been seized, together with a loaded crossbow, ammunition and an air rifle.
Cleveland Police Chief Constable Sean Price said: "We have known for a couple of months now from intelligence coming in that there was a growing concern that Middlesbrough was becoming a hub for crack cocaine." The operation, one of the biggest of its kind in the North East, is expected to last until the end of the week.
He said the operation was about sending out a clear message to communities and drug dealers that action is being taken. Cleveland Police said it came in response to the area being seen as a hub for the crack cocaine network in the north-east of England.
Chief Constable Sean Price said: "We have known for a couple of months now from intelligence coming in that there was a growing concern that Middlesbrough was becoming a hub for crack cocaine."
He said the operation was about sending out a clear message to communities and drug dealers that action was being taken.