[P]OLICE have today arrested seven people in a series of early-morning raids across County Durham.
At 7am, eight addresses were targeted in a crackdown on suspected drug suppliers.
The operation, named Operation Venice, was the result of an investigation into people who are believed to be responsible for the supply of Class A drugs throughout County Durham.
Inspector Mark Edwards of Durham Constabulary said: “We’ve had great results from this morning’s operation, and have a number of individuals in police custody while our investigations continue.
“I hope that this work reassures our community that we are listening to their concerns, and will continue to take decisive action against those whose predatory behaviour is a detriment to quality of life in County Durham.”
The ages of those arrested are: 32 (F), 33 (M), 47 (M), 33 (M), 26 (F), 41 (M), 18 (M).
The targeted addresses were in: Durham (2 addresses), Kelloe, Brandon (2 addresses), Bearpark, Ushaw Moor, Wingate.
Operation Venice forms part of the wider Operation Sledgehammer, which aims to tackle serious and organised crime across the region.