A POLICE chief says he is determined to eradicate drug-dealing in a community.

Middlesbrough district commander Chief Superintendent Mark Braithwaite spoke as two weeks of dawn raids on suspects' houses began across the town.

Seventy-five police officers took part in yesterday's opening swoops, but months of planning have gone into the operations, which will involve 500 officers.

Chief Supt Braithwaite said: "I am confident that once this operation has been completed, we will have made a major contribution to eradicating the problem, but we do depend on community intelligence."

Eight people, all suspected of unlawfully supplying drugs, were targeted yesterday, and six of them were arrested.

Two other people were detained in the raids -one on a warrant and one for suspected money laundering.

Chief Supt Braithwaite said the operation was intended to send a message to drug dealers that Middlesbrough would be a no-go area for them.

He said yesterday's raids in Middlesbrough's Grove Hill and Claireville areas were aimed at stopping dealers operating.

Officers taking part yesterday were backed by support officers, community support officers and street wardens.

Police will continue to monitor the areas with patrols.

Chief Supt Braithwaite asked the public to contact them with details of offenders.