Published Date: 04 December 2010

http://www.hartlepoolmail.co.uk/news/Teens-held-in-drug-arrests.6650049.jp

BOYS aged just 14 and 16 have been arrested on suspicion of dealing drugs and money laundering after a police raid uncovered £2,000 of crack cocaine.

Two ounces of the class A substance and cash were seized after officers stormed into a house in Hartlepool.

Some of the drugs were found hidden inside a children's novelty egg.

Officers from the town's drugs unit had braved the snow and ice to smash open the door of the home and seize the drugs on Wednesday.

Three people were arrested and quizzed by detectives about the discovery.

A 31-year-old woman and 14 and 16-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of possessing cocaine with intent to supply and money laundering offences.

They have all been bailed pending further enquiries.

Detective Constable Michael Matthews, of the drugs unit, said: "Obviously it is rare that we would arrest someone at such a young age on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply.

"But we will work closely with local communities to ensure that people who come under our suspicion are dealt with appropriately, regardless of their age.

"Drugs can blight the lives of residents and Hartlepool drugs unit's key aim is to keep the town a safer more attractive place in which to live and work."

Police are now urging residents to help them tackle drugs in the town by passing on any information they have about dealers or users.

Sergeant Daryll Tomlinson, also of the drugs unit, said: "We are committed to reducing drug misuse on the streets of Hartlepool and would urge members of the public to contact us should they have any information on drug activity in their area."

Meanwhile, the drugs unit also recovered more than £7,000 worth of cannabis on Tuesday afternoon.

Officers carried out a raid at around 3pm on a house in Coleridge Avenue, in the Clavering area of Hartlepool, after reports of a strong smell coming from the address.

After a search of the property, officers found 128 small cannabis plants, a large cannabis plant and a quantity of cannabis bush with a street value of more than £7,000 in a bedroom.

A 42-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of production of cannabis and bailed pending further inquiries. Anyone with information about drugs use in the town should call Hartlepool's confidential dedicated drugs line on (01642) 302181 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.