Drugs and a machete seized in dawn raid at Blyth address

Northumbria Police raid the property on Coomassie Road in Blyth.

Officers also uncovered a machete, cash and eight mobile phones during the raid at Coomassie Road on Wednesday, February 19, which took place after reports of drugs offences.

The raid was part of an operation called Op Aurora, which Northumbria Police have been running since November. They say it has led to a large reduction in anti-social behaviour (ASB) in the area.

The operation has resulted in three arrests, a number of alcohol seizures and 28 dispersal orders using the Anti-Social Behaviour Act.

Drugs believed to be heroin, a machete, cash and mobile phones were recovered during the dawn raid.

Since OP Aurora was launched, Blyth marketplace has seen a 15% reduction in all ASB.

Blyth neighbourhood policing team has also gathered intelligence on suspected drug dealers, believed to have carried out drug activity linked to anti-social behaviour and disorder in the town centre.

Neighbourhood inspector Neil Hall said: “Our neighbourhood policing team in Blyth has been tackling ASB under Op Aurora which aims at tackling disorder in the town centre.

“During enquiries it became apparent that there was a pattern emerging and people committing ASB offences were often under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

“In connection with Op Aurora and our priority to tackle ASB in the town centre, we wanted to cut the supply of drugs to reduce these types of crimes occurring.

“Our officers have been gathering intelligence, speaking to local residents and business owners to find out where the supply of drugs is coming from.

“By working closely with our local community we have gathered enough intelligence to successfully carry out a warrant at an address and seize a quantity of drugs as well as a dangerous weapon.”

“We would like to say thank you to those in the community who have come forward with information, and continue to ask that people report their concerns to us so we can stamp out ASB and drug dealing in the community.”

Anyone with concerns about their community can contact police on 101, or report anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.