The head of Keighley's drug squad has re-issued his message to the town's drug dealers that they will be caught and punished.

His pledge came after a further seven people were arrested last Friday as police continued action to halt the rising wave of drug-dealing in Keighley.

The arrests followed three others that were made on Thursday, after more than 50 officers including detectives, Task Force operational support units and other officers from the traffic and mounted sections took part in Operation Drub.

Some people were arrested on warrant and appeared in court earlier this week, while some were charged and released on bail to appear in court at a later date. Others were released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Operation Drub was laun-ched because of the recent increase in burglaries and the increasing availability of crack cocaine and heroin on the streets of Keighley.

Raids were carried out at various addresses over the two days. Homes raided were in the Braithwaite, Lawkholme, Ing-row, and Highfield areas of Keighley. Other addresses in Cullingworth, Denholme and Burley-in-Wharfedale were also visited in the operation.

A quantity of drugs was recovered during the raids.

Police also used stop-and-search tactics on streets around Keighley town centre when suspect vehicles were targeted.

Det Sgt Raham Khan says Friday's arrests came as a result of close observation at various locations around the town. "Success was not based on the number of prisoners taken, but on the positive action that we were able to take with the manpower that was available to us," he says. "This positive action will continue."

Det Sgt Khan again appeals for the public's help in the fight against drugs and crime. "Please get in touch if you have any information at all," he pleads.

Anyone with information should ring Keighley CID on 01535 617085 or the help desk on 01535 617059.

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