Two arrested in Stockton after parcels intercepted

Two people were arrested after Stockton’s Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) C relief intercepted packages containing drugs.

The packages were heading to two addresses in Stockton but, instead of a delivery driver, the occupants were greeted by police.

One of the packages contained, what officers believe to be, 1.5kg of cannabis.

A 26-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of importing a Class B drug into the UK and a 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug, possession with intent to supply a Class B drug and conspiring to fraudulently evade a prohibition on the importation of a Class B drug. They were both bailed pending further enquiries.

Cleveland Police works closely with the UK Border Force and other agencies to identify and seize packages containing drugs and dangerous weapons bound for addresses in the Cleveland area.

Sergeant Chris Williams from Stockton NPT said: “We know criminal gangs often take advantage of vulnerable people and convince them to take in packages. They sometimes offer people money and assure them they won't be caught.

“I want to make it clear that the possession and importation of illicit drugs is illegal and anyone found to be involved will be brought before the courts and can potentially face time in prison.

 “If you do not know the name on a package, do not accept it. If someone is offering you cash in exchange for receiving a package, inform the police immediately. You can speak to your neighbourhood team or confidentially contact Crimestoppers.”

Anyone with information regarding drug activity in their area is urged to contact Cleveland Police on 101 or you can report non-emergencies via our website here: Report a crime | Cleveland Police

Information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.