Police operation targets dealers

Police from special hit squads have swooped on addresses on Teesside in an operation against known criminals.

Dozens of officers from Cleveland Police raided eight properties on estates in Middlesbrough as part of the ongoing Operation Sabre.

A 23-year-old man was charged with one drug-related offence and released on police bail.

Two other men, one aged 20, the other 24, are currently being held in custody helping police inquiries.

More than 200 people have been arrested as part of the operation, which was launched in April.

Most of the latest raids were concentrated in the Beechwood and Easterside areas of Middlesbrough.

What is thought to be cocaine and cannabis has been recovered and will be sent for analysis.

'Criminal gangs'

Head of crime and operations, Det Ch Supt John Kelly said: "From our intelligence networks we know the identity of a number of drug dealing organisations whose web of influence spreads throughout Teesside and beyond.

"This is an evil that will not be tolerated and these raids have shown our resolve to disrupt and destroy these criminal gangs.

"People at times criticise police for not taking immediate action.

"However, it takes time to develop intelligence and gather the evidence we need to put these criminals before a court.

"Operation Sabre is the largest anti-crime initiative to take place in Cleveland and covers all forms of criminal activity.

"It is on-going and relentless. There will be no let up on our part to drive down crime and anti-social behaviour and provide a better quality of life for our communities."