13 arrested as police teams swoop on nightclub

Dec 12 2006 By Chloe Griffiths, The Journal

Thirteen people were arrested after police targeted revellers at a popular North-East nightclub.

With the consent of the owners, Cleveland Police carried out scores of searches on clubbers at Yarm's Tall Trees nightclub on Saturday night.

Officers from the district support unit, the tutor and dog units, the district drug department and the licensing unit were all involved in the operation.

Passive drug dogs patrolled the premises and metal detectors were placed at the entrance of the venue, which is a popular nightspot with North-East footballers.

The operation led to 13 arrests for possession, and possession with intent to supply, as well as one arrest for a Section 5 public order offence and another for a breach of a probation order.

Officers conducted 132 searches under the misuse of drugs act, leading to the seizure of 125 ecstasy pills, 10 small bags of cocaine and six small bags of cannabis.

The drugs have an estimated street value of £1,500. Insp Ciaron Irvine said: "We have every intention of making Stockton and Yarm a no-go area for drug dealers, drug takers and trouble-makers and throughout the run-up to the festive season a number of operations and wide-ranging initiatives will be launched.

"The night-time economy of any town is big business and we want to ensure the customers of that business are looked after, treated fairly and, most importantly, can enjoy themselves in a safe environment."

The raid was part of an on-going move by police on Teesside to discover the extent of drug-taking in the area's clubs and pubs.