Drugs, weapons and stolen bikes seized after two-day proactive operation in Greater Eston.

A two-day operation last week by Greater Eston NPT in collaboration with the Matrix team saw suspected drugs including cocaine, illegal weapons, stolen motorbikes and a so-called community vehicle seized - as well as a number of arrests.

Officers also removed several burnt-out vehicles they came across to improve the environment and remove any risk to local people.

Operation Accrington was designed to proactively target those suspected of criminal activity, and it was also in response to information received from the public.

It took place over Thursday and Friday and began with a 27-year-old man being arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A, B and C drugs after officers searched a vehicle.

Officers then discovered more suspected Class A drugs, a motorbike which is believed to have been stolen, and illegal weapons when they searched an address in South Bank.

A 47-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A, B and C drugs, and possession of an offensive weapon in a private place. They were interviewed and bailed pending further enquiries.

The 27-year-old man was subsequently charged with possession with intent to supply a Class A drug (cocaine) and was remanded after his first appearance at Teesside Magistrates’ Court today.

More suspected Class A drugs and a motorbike which had been stolen from Hartlepool last year were seized after officers searched an Ormesby address; a 49-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, and theft of motor vehicle. Both have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Another 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug driving when he was stopped by officers after allegedly being seen driving the wrong way down a one-way street. He was interviewed and bailed pending further enquiries however he was also reported to court for other alleged driving offences.

Officers from an unmarked police vehicle recovered a stolen motorbike after seeing two males on the bike. Both made off and the bike, which was confirmed as stolen from Middlesbrough last Autumn, was seized. Enquiries are ongoing.

And a 4x4 which police believe was being used as a community vehicle was seized on Thursday evening after allegedly failing to stop for officers on Thursday evening; these vehicles are commonly used without insurance and likely to be used for criminal purposes.

Greater Eston Neighbourhoods Inspector Zoe Kelsey said: “This was a very successful operation and I’d like to thank those members of the public who provided information.

“We’ll continue to tackle crime and ASB in our communities and will use every resource available to us to apprehend those causing harm, committing crime and generally affecting quality of life for the law-abiding majority of residents.”

You can report crime and ASB at any time to Cleveland Police online via our website, or by phoning 101. Always use 999 in an emergency.

If you don’t want to speak to police, you can pass information anonymously to www.crimestoppers-uk.org or phone them on 0800 555 111.