DRUGS raids have taken place across East Cleveland as police vowed to target a dealer a day in a new clampdown.

Police launched the campaign on Tuesday, and by Thursday morning had arrested 18 people and raided 13 properties.

Langbaurgh's district commander, Chief Supt Adrian Roberts, vowed his officers would be carrying out 365 raids a year as part of the successful Cleveland-wide Dealer a Day operation.

Of the 15 men and three women arrested, aged between 17 and 48, one man has been charged with intent to supply heroin, and two people with possession of Class B drugs.

A further 12 have been released on police bail pending inquiries and two have been released unconditionally. One man was being held in custody helping police with their inquiries.

The first raids took place in the Redcar and Marske area and police seized suspected stolen property, recovered drugs with a street value of more than £1,300 and found several hundred pounds in cash.

An asset seizure investigation is underway in respect of one man's lifestyle. Chief Supt Roberts said: "The curse of drug dealing is not confined to urban areas and it has been our plan all along to reflect this by taking action throughout the district."

He said that as long as residents in the area give him good quality information in their neighbourhood he will take action and carry out no fewer than 365 raids per year. He said police want to know who is dealing as well as where and when.

Redcar MP Vera Baird said: "It will help disrupt the markets of evil dealers who prey upon the addicted and encourage them to burgle and rob to fill the dealers' wallets.

"I have twice seen Home Office ministers to emphasise that we were in danger of catching up Middlesbrough on its sadly high drug crime figures. I am glad they have been listening."

Anyone with any information on drugs or drug dealers is asked to call Crimestoppers on 0800 55111 or talk to any police officer.