Teesside: 18 people arrested and homes raided in drugs inquiry

Organised crime gangs have been targeted during an investigation of Teesside's "vibrant" drug scene.

Homes in Stockton were raided early on Tuesday, leading to six arrests for offences relating to conspiracy to supply drugs.

A total of 18 people have been arrested so far across the Cleveland Police area as part of Operation Artemis.

Det Ch Supt John Bent said criminal gangs were "blighting the lives of their communities".

The operation has seen raids in Hartlepool, Redcar, Stockton and Middlesbrough since April.

Among those arrested on Tuesday were a man and a woman in Grove Hill, Middlesbrough, for possession with intent to supply.

A man was also arrested at a property in Grangetown on suspicion of assault.

Police also confirmed a vulnerable woman had been given safeguarding protection at an address in Stockton.

Det Ch Supt Bent said organised crime "was a serious problem" across the force area, which included drug and human trafficking and gun crime.

Raids took place with officers working alongside the National Crime Agency and North East Regional Organised Crime Unit.

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