MORNING raids were carried out yesterday by police across east Durham.

Five houses in Horden, Blackhall and Peterlee were targeted in Operation Preface and four men and one woman were arrested on suspicion of being concerned with the supply of Class A drugs.

Forced entry was carried out on a number of the houses by officers, some wearing riot gear.

The police action followed raids on Monday morning in the Peterlee area when four men and two women were arrested and charged with offences related to supplying drugs.

Chief Superintendent Eric Suddes said the operation was part of an ongoing sweep against drugs suppliers