A SHORT, sharp blitz on drug trafficking in pubs and clubs across east Cleveland has been hailed a success.

Police said Operation Fareham had severely affected the supply of illegal Class A drugs with 23 arrests made since the launch of the offensive at the end of March.

More than £4,000 of hard drugs including cocaine and Ecstasy were seized during the operation aimed at catching people using licensed premises to cover illegal activity, particularly in the Redcar area.

Detective Inspector Colin Galloway, of Langbaurgh District Drugs Unit, said: "There will be no let-up in our all-out war against those dealing drugs in our communities.

"We have other initiatives in the pipeline waiting to be rolled out and we also want to remind the public that we will always act on good quality, up to date information about anyone dealing in their area.''

The police chief said there had generally been a positive reaction to the operation among businesses.

Langbaurgh police operate a confidential freephone line for anyone wishing to report drug activity and can be contacted on 0800 0929 702.