Tip offs lead to Grove Hill drug raids as three men and one woman are arrested

Officers recovered class A and B drugs worth between £800 and £900 thanks to intelligence gathered from people living in Grove Hill area

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Peter Reimann

Police drugs raid at Alnwick Court, Grove Hill

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There was nowhere to hide for suspected drug dealers in a Middlesbrough estate as police carried out a series of raids.

The suspects were given a rude awakening when officers broke down doors of three properties in Grove Hill.

They struck as part of a day of action in the Middlesbrough estate yesterday.

Three men and one woman were arrested following the raids at properties in Sutton Way, Alnwick Court and Shelley Road.

And officers recovered class A and B drugs worth between £800 and £900 from the properties.

At the terraced house in Alnwick Court, police searched the property before arresting a 20-year-old man dressed in pink pyjama bottoms.

He was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs.

Around £300-£400 worth of suspected Class B drugs were recovered.

In Sutton Way a 27-year-old-man was arrested on suspicion of possession of Class B Drugs and a 20-year-old woman was arrested for obstructing police.

A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs in Shelley Way.

Sergeant Peter Graham who led one of the raids, said information about the suspected drug activity came from the local community.

He said: “Intelligence was gathered from people living in the Grove Hill area and we want to urge people to keep coming forward with information about criminal activity.

“I think it is good for residents to see us doing operations like this and hopefully it will give people more confidence to tell us about any criminal activity.

“We are particularly keen to encourage people to contact us through our social media pages on Twitter and Facebook.”

Officers from Middlesbrough integrated neighbourhood team took part in the raids and they were joined by colleagues from Specialist operations, the motorcycle section, dog section and the community drugs enforcement team.

Sergeant Brian Hallas said: “The activity was in direct response to concerns from members of the public who have complained of drug dealing and associated crime and disorder in their neighbourhoods.

“We know that drugs are being dealt on foot, on bikes and in vehicles across the estates.

“I’m grateful for the help of colleagues from across the force and from our partner agencies who have made today’s operation a success.

“Such behaviour will not be tolerated and we will continue to act on any information provided by the public. ”

Police and crime commissioner Barry Coppinger also attended the raids.

He said: “When I attend community meetings the subject of drug dealing and anti-social behaviour arising from this comes up time and time again.

“Residents should have confidence that their fears and concerns are listened to – and acted upon.”