Northumbria: Arrests made in operation

September 19, 2012, 10:32 am

Police have carried out raids at nine addresses in an operation to tackle drug dealing and organised criminals. 

The co-ordinated strikes took place on Wednesday morning, September 19, at homes in Newcastle and North Tyneside. 

Nine people were arrested as part of what is a long-running investigation into an organised group sourcing and dealing drugs – specifically cocaine and amphetamine – in the area. 

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Men aged 53, 52, two aged 49, 45, 32, 31, and 25, and a woman aged 34 were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs and are currently

in custody. 

The investigation – which focuses on the Walker and Longbenton areas – has already seen between £1.5million and £1.75million worth of drugs – mainly cocaine and amphetamine – seized in the lead up to the raids. 

The arrests took place this morning at Wilton Avenue, Morton Street and Burwood Road in Walker, Cleadon Street in Byker, and Langdale Close and Bishoprock Drive in Longbenton. Additional searches are taking place at addresses in Allendale Road in Byker, Elizabeth Drive in Forest Hall and Maybury Villas i

n Longbenton. 

Chief Superintendent Gary Calvert, Newcastle Area Command, said: “Drugs have a devastating impact both on individuals involved in use and supply and the neighbourhoods where they live, through related crime and disorder. 

“We know people in Walker have raised concerns through our regular surveys abut drug use and supply in their community.  

“This is an example of the large scale operations Northumbria Police conducts to ensure the concerns raised by residents are being effectively addressed and the area continues to become a safer place to live. 

“While the activity is focused on the Walker area, other places in the city are affected and our Neighbourhood Policing teams are committed to working closely with residents and our partner agencies to ensure those causing the most harm in the community are dealt with. 

“People living in the east of the city and beyond can be reassured they live in a safe area which has seen year on year reductions in crime and disorder.”

Chief Superintendent Steve Neill, North Tyneside area command, added: “Pro-active operations like this will continue to ensure North Tyneside remains a safe place to live. 

“Search warrants have been executed at addresses across North Tyneside this morning as part of this long-running operation and people are in custody. 

“This mornings activity has been successful and we will continue to take positive action in direct response to community concerns to disrupt and dismantle those groups involved in criminality such as this. 

“Its important people know that operations such as this stem from information our Neighbourhood Policing Teams receive from the community during their day to day contact. 

“Well continue working closely with partners and the community to ensure those suspected of being involved in crime and disorder are dealt with appropriately.” 

Information can be reported to police via 101 ext 69191, Crimestoppers anonymously or viawww.northumbria.police.uk