16 people arrested in drug raids across Middlesbrough
Operation Linen targeted Class A drug dealers in the Newport area of Middlesbrough this morning.
16 people have been arrested in the Newport area of Middlesbrough as part of a huge drugs operation.
Operation Linen was organised by Cleveland Police in a bid to crackdown on Class A drug dealers in the area.
17 homes were raided, with the majority of those arrested facing drug-related charges.
Police also recovered an air rifle and CS spray, a quantity of cash and drugs.
It's one of the biggest operations of its kind in our region for years, with over 150 working on it.
It came about after a rise in complaints about drug dealing and associated crime in the neighbourhood.
One fed-up resident had even written to Chief Constable Iain Spittal, begging police to take action.
Supported by the North East Regional Special Operations Unit (NERSOU), the operation also includes input from Middlesbrough Borough Council (Trading Standards and their tobacco dog, Tenancy Enforcement and Street Wardens), and the Environment Agency.
Co-ordinating the operation from a Command Centre at Police HQ, Chief Superintendent John Lyons, said: “We appreciate there is significant disruption for Newport residents this morning. The target addresses are all within about a half mile radius and we have dozens of people involved so the area is full of activity today!
“However tackling crime and the associated harm and ASB linked to drug dealing is an absolute priority for the force so it was vital we took action. The law abiding majority of residents had had enough of crime which was making life a misery for them.
“I hope today’s activity reassures residents of all our communities that we will not tolerate those who cause harm by dealing drugs in our communities.
“Similarly we will not tolerate organised crime groups who travel to Cleveland to carry out criminality.
“The public can play its part by telling us what is going on in their neighbourhoods. We will always take proportionate action on any viable information we are given.
“They may not see a response that week or even that month but with the help and support of our partner agencies, we will always do all we can to bring perpetrators before the courts.
“Today’s activity means we are taking a number of suspected drug dealers off the streets. We recognise that drug users will see an effect in terms of supply and for that reason anyone with drug misuse issues will be offered referral to specialist organisations.
“Reassurance patrols will also stay in the Newport area and residents can approach any offer with information which could help police. We would also encourage the public to use the independent charity Crimestoppers where information can be passed by their website www.crimestoppers-org.uk or by phoning 0800 555 111 in confidence.
Police and Crime Commissioner Barry Coppinger added: “Tackling drugs is also a priority for me as PCC and I fully support today’s activity. I’m grateful too for the support of all our partner organisations. Their input, as well as that of the community, makes this a truly holistic approach to tackling drug dealing, associated crime and ASB.”
- Selbourne Street, Middlesbrough – Around £2000 worth of heroin recovered.
33-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug class A
- Maddren Way, Middlesbrough – around £1000 worth of heroin recovered.
33-year-old man and a 16-year-old man (boy) arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug class A.
38-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A.
- Ross Street, Middlesbrough – around £150 heroin recovered.
32-year-old man and a 36-year-old man arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug class A.
- Letitia Street, Middlesbrough – large quantity of cash recovered.
33-year-old man arrested on suspicion of possession of criminal property.
- Marton Road, Middlesbrough.
36-year-old man arrested on suspicion of possession of class A drug.
- Aske Road, Middlesbrough
Three men aged 24, 25 and 31 arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug class A.
- Tennyson Street, Middlesbrough
29-year-old man arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug class A.
- Marton Road, Middlesbrough
60-year-old man arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drug class A.
- Park Road North,Middlesbrough
39-year-old man arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of controlled drug class A.
- Cannon Park, Middlesbrough
42-year-old man arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a class A drug.
- Essex Street Middlesbrough
39-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug class A.
- Parliament Road, Middlesbrough
22-year-old man arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a controlled drug class A.