POLICE have recovered around £30,000 worth of drugs and property in raids on Teesside.

Operation Alligator involved 18 officers from the specialist district support unit, community policing teams, the dedicated district drugs unit and a dog handler.

They raided two houses in the New Town and Fairfield areas of Stockton, and commercial premises in Billingham on Thursday night.

Officers recovered £20,000 worth of drugs, including 1,300 Ecstasy tablets and three-quarters of a kilo of amphetamine.

They also seized £1,700 in cash and a £8,000 car. Sergeant Tony Rock, of the district drugs unit, said: "I am really pleased with this operation.

"It reflects the hard work and team work from all the officers involved, who all played their part in ensuring its success."

Three people were arrested following the raids, two men aged 31 and 24 and a 19-year-old woman.

They were questioned about possession of controlled drugs and possession with intent to supply but were today released on police bail pending further enquiries.

The three now face a probe into their finances.