FIVE suspected drug dealers were detained by police in weekend raids on homes in Bishop Auckland.

The swoop netted three kilos of cannabis worth £3,000, plus a quantity of amphetamines.

Four men and a woman, in their early 20s, were arrested on Friday night and Saturday morning and questioned at Bishop Auckland police station. All were later released on police bail.

Homes on the Woodhouse Close Estate were the main target of the operation. A house in the Henknowle area was also searched.

Detective Inspector Ted Edgar said the raids were part of a continuing inquiry by police into the supply of controlled drugs on the estate.

He said: "We continue to be determined to address the issue of illegal substances which causes great concern to the many law-abiding residents on Woodhouse Close."

An anti-drugs drive supported by The Northern Echo in Darlington is helping police collect information on suspected dealers.

Members of the public have supported the new "Rat on a Rat" campaign by doubling the number of calls to the freephone Crimestoppers number, 0800 555111.

Information can also be left on a new Internet website at www.nettherat.org, or people can telephone Bishop Auckland police station on (01388) 603566 with information.