TWELVE suspected drug barons have been arrested so far this morning in dawn raids across Teesside.

Cleveland Police carried out a joint operation with Greater Manchester Police under Operation Cobweb, a 15-month investigation into the distribution of Class A drugs including heroin and cocaine.

There were a total of 320 officers taking part in the operation with more than 150 from the Cleveland Force area.

There have already been 24 arrests this morning, 12 in each of the force areas. Those targeted on Teesside are the head of organised crime gangs.

There were 10 men and two women arrested aged between 21 to 56 in Eaglescliffe, Thornaby, Ingleby Barwick and Hartburn in Stockton, Middlesbrough and Redcar.

Speaking about today’s arrests, Chief Inspector Dave Mead, of Cleveland Police, said: “So far along with the arrests, we have seized a quantity of Class A drugs and cash.

“I am delighted with the results - we have made a total of 24 arrests so far – all of which are presently in cells across Cleveland and Greater Manchester for Drugs Trafficking Conspiracies.

“Officers from Cleveland Police’s Organised Crime Unit and colleagues from Greater Manchester Police were supported by the District Drugs Units will be interviewing those arrested as the day progresses.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland, Barry Coppinger, added: "I’ve been at the briefing and out with teams this morning; this has been a very well planned and executed operation, and is just what the public I represent want to see.

"Cleveland Police have done us proud today and I know that the follow-up work with the local communities will also be appreciated by all."

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