The order stops anyone moving into the house and dealing in drugs

It is the first time the legal powers, granted by magistrates, have ever been used in Cleveland.

Under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003, police can prevent anyone moving into the house for two months.

Officers raided the house earlier this month, arresting two men for possession with intent to supply crack cocaine.

The men are currently on bail awaiting court proceedings.

Insp Gary Gamesby, who posted the official notice on the house on Friday, said this would be the first of many similar operations.

'Chaos and misery'

He said: "The powers are there to prevent anyone else moving into this property and dealing in drugs.

"The activities of a few people can bring chaos and misery to the majority.

"We are determined that people minded to deal in drugs are kicked out of Cleveland, and every power available to us will be used."

The order was also welcomed by Coun Ken Walker, chairman of Cleveland Police Authority.

He said: "Once again, this underlines that we are leading the way in using all the powers available to us in the fight against the menace of drugs."