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Properties searched in drugs raid Properties searched in drugs raid
(about 5 hours later)
Hundreds of police officers have raided properties across Teesside in a major operation against suspected crack cocaine dealers. Hundreds of police officers have raided properties in a major operation against suspected drug dealers.
About 300 officers were involved in the raids from the early hours. About 300 officers were involved in the raids on Teesside from the early hours.
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.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.
Police said a number of properties were targeted and 21 people arrested so far in the ongoing operation. 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.
'A clear message'
They said a quantity of suspected drugs was found in one house, which will now be tested in a mobile forensic laboratory, and ammunition was found in another house.
Officers were joined by forensic experts and staff from other partner agencies for the operation.Officers were joined by forensic experts and staff from other partner agencies for the operation.
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."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."
He said the operation was about sending out a clear message to communities and drug dealers that action is being taken.He said the operation was about sending out a clear message to communities and drug dealers that action is being taken.