By Martin Walker
Police this morning launched a major drugs operation to tackle a suspected heroin network near Newton Aycliffe.
Nine people were arrest in the early hours of this morning in the first part of the drugs crackdown in the Spennymoor, Ferryhill and Chilton areas of County Durham – which could affect people in the Aycliffe area.
The arrests followed months of investigative work by Durham Constabulary specialist officers targeting suspected heroin dealers.
Up to 100 officers were involved in a series of dawn raids in these areas, and the suspects are currently being questioned at Darlington police station.
Chief inspector Vicki Martin said: “This operation is one of the largest of its type and is part of Durham Constabulary’s commitment to protecting neighbourhoods, tackling criminals and solving problems around the clock.
“These results were as a direct result of people raising concerns about the supply of heroin in these areas. In some cases there has been open dealing in the street, which is simply not acceptable.
“Drug dealing is not a single crime and leads to other crimes being committed – we value the support of local people in trying to make their community safer.”
