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The arrests came after officers received a report from Border Force of a package believed to contain drugs was due to be delivered to a property in Roseworth.
Upon attending the property on Ribchester Close, a 36-year-old woman was detained by officers from Stockton’s neighbourhood policing team.
She was taken to police custody to be questioned on suspicion of importation of class B drugs.
While at the property, a man, aged 43, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class A and class B drugs and was transported to custody.
The arrests occurred on the morning of Tuesday 21 January.
While this investigation is ongoing, officers are warning of a suspected trend facilitated by criminals to exploit vulnerable people by paying them to receive the illegal packages.
Inspector Andrew Vickers, of Stockton’s neighbourhood policing team, said: “Unfortunately we believe there is a worrying trend involving criminals offering a payment to vulnerable people to receive illegal packages to their address.
“It is likely they are being given false promises of the package going undetected due to how it is delivered however this simply isn’t the case. Sadly, criminals will use vulnerable people to fulfil their drugs network while they reap the rewards of it.
“It’s important the public know that we work closely with Border Force who inspect and then intercept illegal packages that are en-route to Teesside by informing police so we can take action.
“Our job is to then investigate the address, investigate the nature of the importations and determine the criminality involved.
“Therefore, we want to make it clear to residents that possession and importation of drugs is illegal and you may be prosecuted.”
The man and woman arrested have since been released on conditional bail while enquiries are ongoing.
If you suspect drug activity is taking place in your community, please either call Cleveland Police on 101 or visit our website. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
For more information on the laws of importation, click here.