More than 30 arrests as Cleveland Police launch drugs crackdown in response to rise in deaths

Operation Neapolitan was launched by Cleveland Police following a worrying rise in drug-related fatalities in the town.

Police have now reported that a total of 33 arrests were made during the operation which launched in September 2019.

It follows a five-year jail sentence handed down at Teesside Crown Court this week to 53-year-old Raymond Peacock who was arrested during the operation.

Peacock sold heroin to an undercover policeman from a house in Dent Street on four different occasions.

A number of other people whose lives were blighted by drugs were also diverted to support services as a result of Operation Neapolitan.

Related article: Host of drugs seized in Hartlepool and man arrested after house search

Detective Inspector Dave Glass said: “Raymond Peacock was arrested as part of Operation Neapolitan, an operation aimed at tackling drug misuse and exploitation within the Hartlepool area, focusing on both those identified as being involved in drug dealing and vulnerable people being exploited.

“The operation was very much a multi-agency response, with 33 people arrested, a number of people diverted to appropriate support through drug and alcohol treatment services and vulnerable people safeguarded by support agencies.

“We welcome the sentence handed to Raymond Peacock and I’d like to thank all the officers and agencies involved in the operation, but moreover the members of the public who came forward and gave us the information we needed to take positive action."

However, Peacock’s lawyer Paul Cleasby said in court his client was the ‘low hanging fruit’ for police while those higher up the supply chain remained at large.

Cleveland Police continued to target the town’s drugs trade earlier this year with Operation Sentinel which saw multiple coordinated raids and more arrests take place.

Properties on and around the Burn Valley, Cornwall Street, Wynyard Mews, Grange Road, and Duke Street were all targeted.

DI Glass added: “We will take all reports of drugs activity and exploitation extremely seriously.”

Anyone with concerns or information is urged to contact Cleveland Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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