POLICE issued the clearest message yet that there would be no let up in the war against drugs in the North-East when they raided a suspected dealer's home on Christmas morning.

Officers in Middlesbrough announced three weeks ago they would arrest "a dealer a day" - and if those involved in the supply of drugs were expecting a Christmas truce in the campaign their hopes were shattered at 11.30am yesterday.

Four men were arrested during a dramatic raid on a house in a cul-de-sac in the Longlands area of the town. Curious neighbours watched as their quiet Christmas was interrupted by the sudden arrival of a dozen uniformed officers, armed with a search warrant under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The men were arrested after heroin, a box of .22 ammunition and suspected stolen car audio equipment was recovered from the two-bedroom terraced house.

All four were initially arrested on suspicion of theft, and one was also held on suspicion of possessing heroin.

They were led handcuffed to a waiting police van and were taken to Middlesbrough police station where they were being questioned last night.

Detective Superintendent Adrian Roberts, who is heading the Cleveland Police anti-drugs campaign, said they intended to carry out at least one drugs raid a day and that Christmas was "no exception". He added: "Drug dealers and the poison they peddle don't stop for Christmas.

"They wreck lives and cause misery to communities every day of the year and we will continue to fight them accordingly. Christmas Day has been no exception although there has been a seasonal dimension."

The dealer-a-day campaign was launched after thousands of people signed a petition calling for tougher action against the town's drug dealers.

They have the backing of council leader Ken Walker, who is also chairman of the Cleveland Police Authority.

The petition received by Councillor Walker and Middlesbrough MP Stuart Bell calls for the seizure of dealers' assets and tougher sentencing for persistent offenders.

More than 50 warrants have been executed so far by Cleveland Police since the campaign was launched.

Before yesterday's raid, 46 people - 34 men and 12 women - had been arrested for a range of offences.

Five have so far been charged with drugs-related offences and 11 others with offences including burglary, affray and assault.