Five people have been arrested on suspicion of supplying crack cocaine during a crackdown targeting a suspected organised crime gang.

The women – aged between 32 and 34 – were detained following warrants executed at houses on the Tilery estate in Stockton.

A search of all the properties on Norton Road, Temple Court and Headlam Court resulted in drugs and various pieces of evidence being seized by police.

Chief Inspector Dan Heron, from Stockton’s Neighbourhood Policing Team, said the operation was in reaction to information from local residents concerned about drug dealing in their area.

He said: “After listening to residents in the area, we are determined to send a clear message that there is no place for drug activity in Stockton.

“Our activity particularly focused in Tilery due to the information we received relating to the impact suspected drug houses were having on local residents and businesses.

“It can take time to gather information to be in the best position to execute warrants and make arrests and I am grateful to residents for their patience in the lead up to these operations.

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“We have had local officers visible in the community and this will continue should residents wish to speak to them.

“It is important members of the public are aware that this action would not have taken place without the information that we have received. I really want to emphasise that every single report made is reviewed and fed into the overall intelligence picture.”

Officers from Stockton CID, the Proactive Team and the Community Action Team assisted by Matrix were involved in Monday's operation.

If you have information, please contact Cleveland Police on 101 or provide information anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.