Three-quarters of the forces in England and Wales are involved in the campaign to close crack houses and bring drug dealers to justice.

Operation Crackdown is part of the Drugs Bill announced in the Queen's Speech in November.

Ch Insp Gary Stephenson said the force was already proactive in this area, but would increase the momentum.

Ch Insp Stephenson said: "Over the past year or so in Middlesbrough we have been very proactive in dealing with crack houses and the drugs supply in particular.

"There have only been seven crack houses closed down in the whole of the north east region, and all of them were by Middlesbrough Police."

'Vital information'

He stressed that it was vital they receive information from the public.