Hartlepool MP hails Cleveland Police crackdown after drugs seized in raids

Drugs raids carried out in Hartlepool have been praised by the town’s MP Mike Hill.
Police drug raids at Wynyard Mews in December of last year.Police drug raids at Wynyard Mews in December of last year.
Police drug raids at Wynyard Mews in December of last year.

Cleveland Police have raided a number of addresses across the town recently, arresting suspects and seizing a variety of suspected drugs.

Mr Hill said it is part of a crackdown on drugs in the town and comes after council officers identified drug and alcohol misuse as being among the biggest challenges Hartlepool faces and needs to be prioritised.

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He said: “Cleveland Police are absolutely doing the right thing by tackling drug houses head on and acting on intelligence provided to them.

Hartlepool MP Mike Hill. Picture by FRANK REIDHartlepool MP Mike Hill. Picture by FRANK REID
Hartlepool MP Mike Hill. Picture by FRANK REID

“Unfortunately, Hartlepool currently has the highest number of drug-related deaths in the country per head of population and that needs to be challenged head on before it spirals out of control.

“Public health budgets have diminished since the Government introduced its austerity measures in 2010 and drug and alcohol services have been depleted as a consequence.”

Among the recent drug raids seen in Hartlepool include four people arrested after the discovery of a cannabis farm in Hutton Avenue believed to be worth tens of thousands of pounds, on Tuesday, June 18.

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On Monday, June 24, Hartlepool Neighbourhood Police Team carried out a warrant in Rugby Street thanks to local information resulting in the seizure of alleged Class A, B and C drugs.

And last month members of the Hartlepool Community Safety Team, along with the Operational Support Unit, executed a drugs warrant in Westmoreland Walk, Hartlepool, although no drugs were found.

Mr Hill added: “It really is excellent to see Cleveland Police cracking down hard, because they need to, and I hope it’s the first indication that we will be getting more bobbies on the beat.

“Our town is truly on the up and going places, and doesn’t deserve to slide into the mire.

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“Given the right level of funding the police and our public services can and will make a difference.”

Last year, Cleveland Police seized more than £2.8 million worth of drugs, including a cannabis farm in Hartlepool of more than 700 plants.

To report drug dealing in your community call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.