Two arrested after police raid three houses in Hartlepool
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Two arrests were made in the operation early on the morning of August 16 as a result of information reported to police about alleged drug use, dealing and antisocial behaviour.
Properties in Dent Street, Cornwall Street and Johnson Street had their doors smashed as police quickly burst in and carried out detailed searches.
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Hide AdThe raids were the latest in a series of surprise searches to be carried out in Hartlepool in recent months.
The new Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, Richard Lewis, took part in the operation.
He told the Mail: “We’ve had a number of people in Hartlepool provide us with information about drug use and dealing and it’s important that we respond to that concern by making sure that we are conducting warrants; searching and arresting where it’s appropriate to do so.
“Arrests and conviction is part of a wider strategy in the criminal justice system and with our partners such as health to ensure the scourge of drug use and dealing is eradicated from our communities.”
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Hide AdPolice had intelligence that two men and a woman had gained access to the house in Cornwall Street after police shut down other drug dens elsewhere in Hartlepool.
A 50-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of class B drugs in the raid in Cornwall Street, and a 47-year-old woman was arrested at a property in Johnson Street, on suspicion of possession with intent to supply class B drugs. Both currently remain in custody.
A quantity of suspected amphetamine and cannabis were seized at the property in Johnson Street, along with drugs paraphernalia.
Suspected cannabis was also recovered in Cornwall Street.
A man and woman have been evicted from a property in Cornwall Street after police worked with the housing association to move them on.
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Hide AdDrugs paraphernalia was removed from a property in Dent Street.
Chief Constable Lewis added: “It’s a battle we will continue to fight but it’s a testament to the people of Hartlepool that they provide us with information where it’s important to do that and we respond to those concerns.
“It becomes a virtuous circle. The more they see us do things like this the more they will provide us with information, I hope.”
Chief Con Lewis urged anyone with information about drugs activity in Hartlepool to contact Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555111.
The Chief Constable was appointed to Cleveland Police earlier in 2019. He promised to make policing improvements in Hartlepool when speaking to the Mail on a visit to the town in June.