POLICE have vowed to cut out the "evil cancer" of organised crime and tackle drug barons who think they are untouchable.

A series of dawn raids was carried out across Middlesbrough yesterday aimed at targeting leaders of the drug-dealing world.

Seven people were arrested as police promised to close down a multi-million pound empire centred on the Teesside town which is thought to be responsible for the supply and distribution of cocaine across the North.

A town centre bar was one of 14 premises raided and cordoned off by police yesterday as part of Operation Falcon.

Cleveland Police said the trade in drugs has generated vast wealth for those masterminding the shipments.

Detective Chief Superintendent John Kelly, head of the force's Crime Directorate, said: "Falcon is targeted against those fat cats who live a high lifestyle on the misery of others.

"We can tell them plainly that they can expect to be arrested and the Proceeds of Crime Act will be enforced to strip them of their assets to ensure they will not benefit from their ill-gotten gains.

"If not stopped, these people move into legitimate businesses. They use the misery and despair of others to create a legitimate front and mask their criminal activities.

"To many, they become respectable businessmen, but the truth is very different.

"They are an evil cancer in Cleveland and we intend to cut them out."

Police teams are among 60 officers taking part in the crackdown.

Acting Detective Superintendent Gordon Lang said criminals who until yesterday had considered themselves above the law were in for a rude awakening.

He expects more arrests to be made, but accepts that the nature of the operation means it will be a protracted investigation.

Acting Det Supt Lang said: "With wealth comes power, and the Organised Crime Unit of Cleveland Police will tirelessly seek out those criminals with power and wealth and put them where they belong - in jail. We intend to decimate their operations."