TWO people were arrested and drugs seized in dawn raids on a council estate yesterday.

Police swooped on four houses in Sacriston, near Chester-le-Street, as part of Durham Constabulary's Streetsafe: Fighting the Fear of Crime Campaign.

Community Inspector Paul Anderson said: "A male and female were arrested and a quantity of cannabis and what is believed to be amphetamines were seized.

"We recovered a cosh at another house and police are continuing their inquiries in relation to that."

Streetsafe, a partnership involving Chester-le-Street District Council, social services, the crime prevention team and firefighters, targets anti-social behaviour, drug dealers, low-level crime and vandalism.

The campaign, lasting three months, will involve high-visibility patrols, while community support officers and beat officers will identify graffiti to be cleaned by council workers.

Insp Anderson said: "The aim is to help make Sacriston a safer and more confident community.

"Crime, and drugs in particular, will not be tolerated. "

Anyone with information about drug-related crime has been asked to contact the police on 0845 606 0365.