Seven arrested after drugs raids

Police said the operation on Tuesday morning had taken months of planning

Seven people have been arrested in a series of raids targeting a criminal gang suspected of supplying large quantities of cocaine.

Raids were carried out in Middlesbrough, Stockton and Redcar.

Detectives said the gang also had links to organised crime groups in Durham and Greater Manchester, and arrests were also made there.

The six men and one woman are being questioned on suspicion of conspiracy to supply cocaine and money laundering.

Cleveland Police said Tuesday’s operation had taken months of planning.

Arrests were also made in Greater Manchester and Durham

Det Ch Supt Anne-Marie Salwey said the strikes reflected the force’s commitment to pursuing those who profited from the "sale of drugs" and exploited the "vulnerable".

Before the raids, detectives had already recovered £70,000 in cash and more than 22lbs (10kg) of suspected cocaine.

More arrests are expected in the coming days, police said.