They have also recovered more than �400,000 worth of drugs and arrested 158 people using powers under the 2003 Anti Social Behaviour Act.

Cleveland Police said Operation Crackdown had made it easier for landlords to evict drug dealers from their properties.

Witnesses have also been given more protection under the new powers.

'Evict tenants'

Ch Insp Gary Stephenson said the operation had now come to an end but police would continue to be tough on drug dealers.

He said: "During the last three months we have found that local people have been more willing to bring their problems to the fore because they can give evidence anonymously.

"Previously, landlords could lose their houses if their tenants were involved in drugs which wasn't really fair.

"But under the new powers we have been able to work with them and help them evict tenants within 48 hours avoiding long legal cases."