POLICE yesterday arrested seven people suspected of being some of the biggest street drug dealers in a North-East town.

In a series of breakfast-time raids in the Bishop Auckland area, officers swooped on five homes of people allegedly involved in the supply of class A drugs, including heroin.

About 135 officers, including community support officers and street wardens, were involved in Operation Suprema, which is part of Operation Nimrod, targeting dealers throughout the force area.

The police action began at 6.45am when officers raided houses in Cambridge Court, Tindale Crescent; Langdale Walk and Cheesmond Avenue, on Woodhouse Close estate; Prince’s Street, in Bishop Auckland; and Randolph Street, in nearby Coundon Grange.

In total, four men aged 25, 29, 30 and 34, and four women aged 24, 25, 27 and 28, were arrested. One of the women arrested was produced from Low Newton prison, where she was already in custody.

A small quantity of drugs was seized along with several mobile phones, which have been sent away for analysis.

Seven of those detained were arrested for supply or being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and one – the woman from Prince’s Street – was arrested for possession.

Inspector Martin Peace, of Bishop Auckland neighbourhood policing team, said: “It is about sending a clear message to those dealing in drugs to stop what they are doing or they will be next on our list.

“I’m very pleased with how the operation went, without injury or incident, and the people arrested are some of those we believe to be the main players in drug-dealing in this area.”

Assistant Chief Constable Mike Barton said the force was working with other agencies to make a long-term difference to communities.

He said addicts would be directed towards rehabilitation services to reduce the demand for drugs on the street.

“If they want to engage with us, we can help them change their lives, if not it’s dead easy,” he said. “We’ll find them, lock them up, interview them and send them to prison until they change their ways.”

Leaflets were delivered to 2,000 houses around those raided to reassure communities that police were acting on their concerns and to direct those affected towards support agencies.

They also warned 28 people thought to be involved in the drugs market that action would be ongoing.

Insp Peace added: “We want to reassure people that when they report crime to us, we do something about it, and encourage them to keep coming to us – their support is vital.”

Similar operations took place last November in Seaham and across three consecutive weeks in April at properties in Darlington.

All those arrested were still being questioned by police last night.