Drugs Raids Carried Out In Newcastle

19 September 2012, 10:44 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

Northumbria 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 19th, 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.

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.

Capital FM's Anna Harding went along - you can listen to her report here:

The investigation - which focuses on the Walker and Longbenton areas - has already seen between £1.5million and £1.75million worth of drugs 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 in 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."

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