Drugs seized and arrests made during night-time economy focused operation

Drugs were seized and a number of people were dealt with for possession offences during a night-time economy focused operation across Middlesbrough and Stockton. 

More than 60 officers, including those from Response, Neighbourhood, Proactive Teams and our Dedicated Drugs Unit, were involved in the operation on Friday evening targeting anyone intent on causing harm or committing crime.

With the help of drugs dogs Barney and Oakley, our officers and Licensing team visited various premises and conducted more than 25 stop searches, seizing both Class A and Class B drugs.

The dogs were funded by the Cleveland Unit for the Reduction of Violence (CURV) which sits within the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland. The operation was also supported by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Middlesbrough Council.

A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession of a Class A drug, and he was bailed pending further enquiries.

Following further searches in a queue for a bar, a 28-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs. He was bailed pending further enquiries. Four men were also dealt with for drug offences.

It comes after the launch of our winter night-time economy campaign “We are Here” which aims to reassure the public that we are here to help them have a safe and enjoyable night out.

The campaign also serves as a warning to people intent on committing crime – from spiking to sexual assault, drink driving, robbery, harassment or hate crime – that We are Here, and we will deal with offenders.

Superintendent John Wrintmore said: “We want everyone to enjoy the festive season safely and by carrying out this proactive work, we’re protecting people and preventing crime.

“This is the work our officers do day in and day out but by being highly visible, we’re reminding the public that We Are Here for you, and we will be there whenever they need us.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved in Friday’s operation for all their hard work. As always, we’d encourage anyone who wants to report something to us, to call 101 or visit the Cleveland Police website.”

Police and Crime Commissioner for Cleveland Matt Storey said: "It's fantastic to be able to gain an insight into the successful activity going on across Cleveland as part of the "We are Here" campaign.

"Illegal drugs will never be welcome in our towns nor will anyone who is out to cause harm or commit crime and so I am pleased that CURV was able to be part of the operation to help stop it from happening."

Councillor Norma Stephenson, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Access, Communities and Community Safety, said: “Our town centres across the Borough are popular spots during the day and on a night time, so we’re delighted to support our Police colleagues to help ensure visitors and residents are kept safe.

“The extra reassurance means people can relax and enjoy their evening and all our town centres have to offer.

“Of course, this is also in addition to a number of other measures in place around the Borough thanks to Safer Streets funding, such as safety equipment and CCTV.”

Cllr Janet Thompson, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods at Middlesbrough Council, said: “At this time of year, workers across the town centre can experience all manner of unacceptable behaviour.

“Partnership working like this is essential to ensuring the safety of responsible party-goers and all those night time economy workers who make our night out special.

“It also compliments Middlesbrough’s year-round Safehaven campaign which reinforces the message that bad behaviour will not be tolerated and those causing it will be dealt with.”