POLICE in Middlesbrough are celebrating further success in their fight against drugs with nine people arrested in the past week.

Seven raids took place in the town with nine people arrested for drugs supply offences. One of these was dealt with for a bench warrant and a further four people were passed on to the immigration service.

Police are taking no further action against the remaining four for the time being.

In one raid, a 22-year-old woman was arrested and charged with possession of heroin. She was bailed to appear at Teesside Magistrates' Court in due course.

In two other raids, two men had bench warrants executed.

In the same seven day period three men returned from bail to be charged. They will appear at Teesside Magistrates' Court in due course.

Detective Superintendent Adrian Roberts, who is leading the initiative, said: "This week's arrests show the link between drugs supply networks and general illegality.

"The people of Middlesbrough can be assured that with their continued support in providing intelligence about drugs in the community we will continue to clamp down hard on both."

The operation to date has netted 249 arrests from 262 raids against suspected drugs dealers in Middlesbrough.

Drugs with an estimated street value of more than £68,000 have been recovered and more than £39,000 cash seized.

Anyone with information about drug dealers in the community can contact any police officer or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111