More than 100 officers are taking part in a crackdown on organised crime gangs and anti-social behaviour blighted Stockton.

A series of co-ordinated raids were carried out at addresses across the town.

Several people have already been arrested, for offences including possession with intent to supply Class A Drugs and assault of a police officer.

Crack cocaine concealed in a Kinder Egg, cocaine, cannabis, two machetes and £800 in cash have been seized from a property on Wrensfield Road in Stockton.

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs and possessing an offensive weapon.

Cleveland Police targeted one address on Wembley Way where an electric saw was used to gain entry to the property.

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One woman, who didn't want to be named, said: "I'm so pleased that they have taken action. I have had people weighing drugs while sitting on my front and I have had to move them on.

"When I go to work, I didn't know what I would be coming back to.

The Northern Echo: A suspect is taken in for questioningA suspect is taken in for questioning (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

"When I first moved here it was a quiet area but they have moved a lot of younger people in and they are causing a lot ot trouble.

"People were turning up at the flat at all hours, taxis were dropping people off, they would come on motorbikes and cause a racket."

She lives on Wembley Way.

The Northern Echo: A neighbouring property was closed down earlier this year after concerns were raisedA neighbouring property was closed down earlier this year after concerns were raised (Image: NORTHERN ECHO)

Two youths have been arrested and taken away for questioning.

A neighbouring property was closed down earlier this year after concerns were raised about drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.

Another two people were arrested later during the police operation.

A large quantity of cannabis and drugs paraphernalia have been seized by the proactive team from a property on Wrynose Gardens in Stockton as part of the operation.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class B drugs and woman has been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class B drugs. They are both en route to custody.

The Northern Echo: Police targeting a property on Rudyard Avenue searching for a suspectPolice targeting a property on Rudyard Avenue searching for a suspect (Image: GRAEME HETHERINGTON)

The Northern Echo: Chief Constable Mark Webster joins the response team in StocktonChief Constable Mark Webster joins the response team in Stockton (Image: GRAEME HETHERINGTON)

The raids are the first from Operation Artemis, which is set to run throughout Spring and Summer, targeting known offenders in all four of the force areas.