ARREST MADE AS MAYOR ATTENDS DRUGS RAID

A MIDDLESBROUGH woman has been arrested following a drugs raid on her home.

Cleveland Police performed the operation on the back of information provided to them by members of the local Newport community and their own intelligence gathering.

They were joined by Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston who has made a Middlesbrough Council priority of tackling crime and anti-social behaviour across the town.

The warrant was executed on Selbourne Street in Newport and a woman was arrested on suspicion of drug dealing.

Mr Preston, who has overseen the introduction of additional CCTV, a Public Space Protection Order and Selective Landlord Licensing in Newport, praised the police's action.

He said: "Truthfully drugs is a massive challenge worldwide, not just a Middlesbrough problem.

"We can reclaim streets and we must always send a message to people who break the law that we don't want you hear full stop. This is going to be a perpetual and tough battle but we will never give up.

"I have attended the briefing and the raid and have seen absolute commitment to rid streets of people who make decent people's lives a nightmare.

"I'd like to thank Inspector Darren Birkett and all of the officers who I've seen on this raid, their commitment and professionalism has been really impressive."

Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Inspector Darren Birkett of Cleveland Police said of the raid: "The warrant was executed as part of Operation Endeavour, a Force-wide operation to tackle serious and organised crime and today's warrant will be one of many conducted in the area.

"Warrants are often executed off the back of intelligence from the community and that was the case with today.

"We hope the result from today sends out a clear message to the community that we do listen and we will take action against those involved in drugs activity."

ENDS

Press Notice 6542. 18/06/21

Issued by Andrew Pain, Senior Communications Officer on 01642 729503.

www.middlesbrough.gov.uk

Follow Middlesbrough Council on Twitter: @MbroCouncil

NOTES TO EDITORS

Picture captions

Pn6542 Raid 1 - Cleveland Police officers executing a warrant on Selbourne Street in Newport, Middlesbrough.

Pn6542 Raid 2 - Middlesbrough Mayor Andy Preston (r) pictured with Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Inspector Darren Birkett of Cleveland Police (l) following a raid at an address on Selbourne Street in Newport, Middlesbrough.