THREE men were arrested and 32 young people were issued with anti-social behaviour campaign notices during a police operation in Redcar.

The aim of the operation on the troubled Lakes Estate last Friday night was to send a clear message that anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and other criminal activities will not be tolerated.

About 30 officers, including the local community policing team, dedicated drugs unit, dog section, special constabulary, district support unit and Redcar and Cleveland community wardens, were involved in the operation, carried out under the banner of Cleveland Police's Operation Sabre.

Three search warrants were executed under the misuse of drugs act and quantities of class A and C drugs were seized. Two men were charged with drugs offences and one was cautioned for possessing cannabis.

Thirty two young people were issued with anti-social behaviour campaign notices and a quantity of alcohol was seized from youngsters.

Police have been given new powers to deal with youths on the estate who gather in groups in Burnmoor Close, Blayberry Close and Kent Close and cause intimidation, distress or harassment..

Insp Andrew Bright said: "This operation will send out a clear signal to the minority of people whose behaviour causes misery to the local residents."