More than 100 officers took part in a crackdown on organised crime gangs, illegal off-road bikers, and anti-social behaviour, who are blighting the lives of residents in Stockton.
A series of co-ordinated raids were carried out at addresses across the town with specialist officers from around the force being drafted in to tackle problem areas.
So far 13 people have been arrested for a variety of offences with drugs, weapons and cash seized by officers.
Launching the crackdown, Stockton Commander Superintendent John Wrintmore said: “This is an information led operation focussing on the issues that affect your communities the most.
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“It is a demonstration that we have been listening to your concerns and we are acting on them. It’s also a really strong message to those involved in crime and anti-social behaviour that you will be robustly targeted.”
Several people were arrested within an hour of the operation being launched 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 – a total of five people were arrested in the flat, including a 17-year-old youth.
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.
"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 of 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."
A neighbouring property was closed down earlier this year after concerns were raised about drug dealing and anti-social behaviour.
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.
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.
And Chief Constable Mark Webster joined members of the force’s proactive team as they executed a warrant on a suspect.
He said: “This team has arrested more than 200 people in the few months they have been in operation. We are looking for a prolific offender who is wanted for a number of offences and this is all part of Operation Artemis.
“This operation will take place every month across the force in different areas. It’s about showing the public the work that we do and sending a really strong signal to criminals that they will face strong consequences for their actions.”
The force deployed its specialist road policing motorcycle team to tackle the problem of illegal off-road bikes which are making people’s lives a misery.
They were joined by a drone pilot who was helping to direct the motorbike officers to areas where illegal riding was taking place.
Arrests made so far:
• Wembley Way (five arrests) – Five people were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A drugs. Cocaine, crack cocaine, a sword and £1k cash seized were seized from the property.
• Wrensfield Road (one arrest) - Crack cocaine concealed in a Kinder Egg, cocaine, cannabis, two machetes and £800 in cash were seized. A woman has been arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs and possessing an offensive weapon.
• Northumberland Road (two arrests) - A man has been arrested on suspicion of possessing class B drugs with intent to supply and possessing criminal property. 2k cash and drugs paraphernalia were seized from the property. Another male was arrested at another property on this street after being wanted on warrant.
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• Yarm Lane (one arrest) – a woman arrested for being wanted on warrant and she assaulted a police officer in custody.
• Wrynose Gardens (two arrests) - 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. A large quantity of cannabis and drugs paraphernalia have been seized by the Proactive Team.
• Rudyard Avenue (one arrest) – 39-year-old man arrested for breaching a court order.
• Stop & search – (one arrest) Stockton High Street – man arrested for possessing class C drugs
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