TWO brothers and another man have appeared in court charged with drug dealing offences.

Robert and Thomas Hall, from Peterlee, aged 40 and 35, and David Thompson, 27, from Hebburn, were arrested yesterday (Wednesday, May 22) during a series of dawn raids.

They have been charged with conspiracy to supply class A and class B drugs and appeared before Consett Magistrates’ Court.

A fourth man arrested, a 41-year-old from Easington has been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

All were arrested as part of Operation Madrid, a joint operation between Durham Constabulary and SOCA (Serious Organised Crime Agency).

The investigation relates to the large scale dealing of cocaine and cannabis.

Robert Hall, of George Avenue, Thomas Hall, of Paradise Lane, and Mr Thompson, of Black Road, each face two counts of conspiracy to supply class A and class B drugs between January 31 last year and May 31 this year.

They have been remanded into custody and are due to appear at Durham Crown Court on May 31.

They were arrested after warrants were executed at three addresses in Easington Colliery, County Durham, at a house in North Shields, North Tyneside, and at a holiday park at Hutton Sessay, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

More than 50 detectives, uniformed officers and specialist staff took part in the raids, starting at 6am.

Dubbed Operation Madrid, it was a joint venture planned by the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and Durham Police.

It formed part of the force’s ongoing Sledgehammer campaign targeting organised crime gangs operating in County Durham and Darlington, many of whom have links to criminal activity in other force areas.