Cleveland Police has arrested more than 550 people in Middlesbrough over the last 12 months as part of PCC-backed Project ADDER.
In 2023, officers arrested a total of 552 people and disrupted 76 organised crime groups.
Figures are part of the initiative to tackle criminal gangs selling drugs and halt the flow of drugs into Cleveland’s communities.
A total of 451 weapons including knives and firearms were also taken off the streets. In addition, there were 1,613 drug seizures including crack and heroin.
Middlesbrough’s Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) and the Force Proactive Team have been at the forefront of tackling criminality linked to drugs. Using ADDER funding, they have arrested 51 people since February 2023.
Courts have handed out a total of 44 years and 11 months in prison sentences during the same time period – and there are still 19 people in custody awaiting sentencing.
One of those sentenced was 19-year-old Kai Inico who made off from police in Central Gardens, Middlesbrough, in May 2023.
He was pursued by a plain clothed officer and was seen dropping items. They were later recovered including crack cocaine valued at around £2,650 and heroin worth around £870.
Inico was eventually arrested and charged with possession of Class A drugs> He was sentenced to 29 months in prison.
Targeting the worst offenders
Project ADDER, (Addiction, Diversion, Disruption, Enforcement, Recovery), is funded by the Home Office and Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner. It aims to reduce drug deaths whilst also tackling drug supply in Middlesbrough.
Cleveland PCC Steve Turner is also the Senior Responsible Officer for Cleveland’s Combatting Drugs Partnership.
He said: “The continued success of Project ADDER justifies my continued support for the project.
“It’s imperative that we get the worst offenders off the street and crack some of the criminal gangs, who are making the lives of many people across Cleveland a misery.”
More recently, Mr Turner accompanied Project ADDER on two drug warrants in Middlesbrough to see some of the work first-hand.
Following intelligence from the public, warrants were conducted on Burlam Road and Baker Street in Middlesbrough.
They resulted in the arrest of a 60-year-old woman. She was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to supply a Class A drug and possession of a Class B drug. She was bailed pending further enquiries.
Detective Chief Inspector Gez Wraith, who is the force’s lead for ADDER, said: “We have seen some fantastic results thanks to Project ADDER funding through robust enforcement and proactive policing.
“We have disrupted organised crime groups who have been causing the most harm to our communities, brought members before the courts and secured lengthy sentences for those involved.
“Drug dealing and associated crime has a huge impact on communities. I hope these recent results show our commitment to arresting offenders and making Middlesbrough a safer place to be.
“Intelligence from the public is vital. If you suspect drug dealing in your area, please contact us on 101. Independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by phone on 0800 555 111.”
This year, Cleveland Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Steve Turner invested £125,000-worth of funding in Project ADDER. This will ensure the police enforcement element of ADDER continues.
The PCC’s contribution will be matched by a further £375,000 from the Home Office From April, the PCC’s contribution to Project ADDER will rise to £250,000 – equalling the Home Office’s contribution.