DRUGS with an estimated street value of more than £19,000 were seized during a series of raids on homes in East Durham, it has been revealed.

Ten people were also arrested during a week-long multi-agency crackdown on crime, anti-social behaviour and environmental eyesores.

Two men were arrested and cannabis plants with a street value of £18,000 were removed during a search of a property in St Paul’s Road, Trimdon Colliery.

The raid followed a stop-and-search patrol in the village when two people were arrested and seven grams of cocaine valued at £350 were seized.

A further six arrests were made at properties in Little Eden, Peterlee; North Road, Wingate; Twelfth Street, Horden; and Beverley Way, Peterlee; where police recovered quantities of amphetamine, cannabis and class C substances.

The Not in My Neighbourhood operation was organised by Peterlee Community Policing Team in conjunction with the Safe Durham Partnership.

Superintendent Darren Ellis said: "The Not in My Neighbourhood weeks are multi-agency activities aimed at addressing the concerns of local residents.

"The commitment and hard work of all the organisations involved has once again produced some excellent results.

"Hundreds of residents have received advice on crime prevention, fire safety, getting back into employment and responsible dog ownership as part of reassurance activities lead by the Safe Durham Partnership."

"Peterlee Neighbourhood Policing Team has carried out several magistrates warrants, with some significant results."

The wide-ranging operation also involved HM Revenue and Customs, Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, the DVLA, East Durham Homes and Durham County Council’s education welfare, street warden and clean and green teams.

During the six-day operation, 19 uninsured or untaxed vehicles were clamped by the DVLA, while officers from HM Revenue and Customs identified seven vehicles using illegal red diesel.

Police seized seven motorcycles, four of which were suspected stolen and two were uninsured. The rider of the seventh had been behaving in an anti-social way.

Staff at three off-licences received fixed penalty notices for selling alcohol to youngsters under the age of 18 but seven more retailers were commended for refusing to make a sale.

Officers from Durham County Council contacted the parents of 14 children for being absent from school.

Hundreds of shed alarms, light switch timers, door alerts and personal attack alarms were handed out along with bike locks and crime prevention packs.

Residents are encouraged to report crime and anti-social behaviour by calling Durham Police on 0345 60 60 365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.