Nine people have been arrested in early-morning drug raids in Ilkley.

Police targeted eight homes in the town, seizing 20 to 30 cannabis plants, cannabis resin, amphetamines, heroin and an imitation firearm.

The nine people arrested have been charged with a variety of drug-cultivation and possession offences.

Police are still searching for another three people in connection with the raids.

All those arrested are between the ages of 19 and 31. They were charged and bailed to appear in court at a later date.

Police say the raids were part of a continuing fight against drugs and say drug users in the town should beware.

Inspector Alison Bennett, of Ilkley Police, said: "It is something we want to keep on top of. We keep monitoring the situation."

Inspector Mick Hopwood, of Keighley Police, said: "We are determined to take action to stop the evil of drugs."

He said the drugs issue was taken very seriously in the Keighley division, and Ilkley was very much part of the division.

He said: "Those involved in drugs may think Ilkley is a place where they won't be bothered by the police. That is not the case."

Insp Hopwood said: "Drug dealing directly affects the residential and commercial communities in this division.

"I would like to stress the recovery of these drugs does not mean Ilkley suddenly has a serious drugs problem, it just shows we are prepared to act when we believe there is a pattern of activity."

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.