Police make raids on suspected drug dealers

Apr 1 2010 by Neil McKay, The Journal

MORE than 100 police officers swooped on suspected drug dens across the region yesterday as part of a war against “parasites who blight and belittle communities”.

The early-morning raids took in addresses in Annfield Plain, Craghead, Dipton and South Moor in the Stanley, County Durham area.

Later police also raided properties in Swalwell, Gateshead.

Durham’s Assistant Chief Constable Mike Barton said: “These raids demonstrate our determination to stamp down on the parasites who are belittling and blighting our communities by dealing in drugs openly in front of law-abiding residents and children.”

More than 100 Durham officers, assisted by colleagues from Northumbria Police, were involved in simultaneous arrest operations in two strike waves, with 15 warrants executed.

This resulted in the detention of 11 people, aged between 21 and 45. They are currently being held at Durham City and Consett police stations. Further arrests are planned.

Five people held in custody at Durham City were: a 40-year-old man from Wesley Terrace, Annfield Plain; a 30-year-old man from Park Road, South Moor; a 34-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman, both from Poplar Street, South Moor and a 45-year-old man from Fairhills Avenue, Dipton.

Six people are in custody at Consett: a 30-year-old man from Wylam Street, Craghead; a 25-year-old man arrested on Tanfield Lea Industrial Estate; a 37-year-old woman from Mary Street, Annfield Plain; a 21-year-old man from Clavering Road, Swalwell; a 36-year-old man from South View Terrace, Swalwell and a 36-year-old man from Park Terrace, Swalwell. The 7am raid on the house in Poplar Street, South Moor, was observed by community leaders including Durham County Councillor Bob Alderson, who represents the villages of Burnopfield and Dipton.

He said: “People complain to me that the police are not doing enough to combat drug dealers.