A series of co-ordinated raids have been carried out targeting members of an organised crime group has resulted in seven arrests so far.

Properties across Teesside, County Durham and Greater Manchester were raided by dozens of officers carrying out searches for cocaine and evidence of money laundering.

As well as raiding their homes, detectives searched a container believed to have been used by the organised crime network.

The activity formed part of a long running investigation – codenamed Operation Apex –into the large-scale supply of controlled drugs being run by an organised crime group based in Teesside with links to the Durham and Greater Manchester areas.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Raid being carried out on an address on Newham Grange Avenue, Stockton, as part of a crackdown on suspected members of an organised crime gangRaid being carried out on an address on Newham Grange Avenue, Stockton, as part of a crackdown on suspected members of an organised crime gang (Image: Graeme Hetherington)

Detectives had already recovered £70,000 in cash and more than 10kg of suspected wholesale quantities of cocaine as well as the arrests of four men who have since been released under investigation.

Today’s operation was supported by various officers and staff from across the force alongside the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) and the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Darlington and Stockton Times: Sniffer dog entering a house on Newham Grange Avenue, Stockton, during raid targeting suspected members of organised crime gangSniffer dog entering a house on Newham Grange Avenue, Stockton, during raid targeting suspected members of organised crime gang (Image: Graeme Hetherington)

Detective Chief Superintendent Anne-Marie Salwey, Cleveland Police’s Head of Crime, said: “This morning’s strike focused on a singular organised crime group believed to be supplying cocaine throughout Teesside, as well as in Durham and the North-West.

“The results stem from months of hard work driven and proactive investigation into the drugs network operating from Teesside.

“This reflects our continued commitment to our communities that we will relentlessly pursue any individual who we believe are profiting from the sale of drugs, exploiting vulnerable people including children, and partaking in serious violence along the way.”

The operation occurred during Cleveland Police’s Operation Artemis and is one part of the day of action.