26 arrests in early-morning raids to target drug dealers

A total of 26 arrests were made by officers taking part in a series of dawn raids in Chester-le-Street, Durham City and surrounding villages.

Forty-five premises were visited across the area, resulting in 33 crimes being detected, including burglaries, thefts, the handling of stolen goods and drug possession with intent to supply.

Officers have been busy logging the recovered stolen goods, estimated to be worth about £10,000.

These include a distinctive rocking horse, valued at £700, a £2,000 lap-top computer, a quad bike, jewellery, watches, garden equipment, PlayStation computer games, car CD players and compact discs.

Drugs with an estimated street value of £4,500 were also seized, including amphetamines, cannabis and Ecstasy.

People arrested during the course of the operation were aged between 19 and 46, with the youngest, a male teenager, already charged with burglary and remanded in custody by last night.

Others arrested will be processed in coming days with charges anticipated.

Detective Inspector Mick Nail, of Durham City CID, said the operation involved 25 officers each day.

Speaking after the last of the early morning raids yesterday, Det Insp Nail said he was satisfied with the outcome.

"We've been successful this week in our aims of disrupting the activities of drug dealers and other criminals, arresting offenders and detecting crimes."

But he pledged the drive against crime would not end with this campaign.

"The public can be reassured that although this week's operation is over, others are in the pipeline for the run-up to Christmas and into the New Year.

"We are determined to target those we believe are responsible for committing crimes in the Chester-le-Street and Durham police division, and, as a result, blighting the lives of people in our communities."

The crackdown, codenamed Operation Arouet, involved both uniformed and plain-clothed officers based in Chester-le-Street and Durham City stations.