AN ESTIMATED £580,000 worth of drugs have been seized by police in West Yorkshire as part of a targeted operation against county lines drug dealing.

15 addresses were searched in the South Kirby area of Wakefield as part of targeted activity aimed at tackling County Lines organised crime and exploitation. 

An estimated £500,000 worth of cannabis was seized from the properties, which were all within four streets of each other.

This included 374 cannabis plants and over 27 kilos of prepared cannabis. 

Officers also seized 185g of cocaine and a range of Class C controlled medications.

A lock knife and £1,200 in cash, which was found hidden in an air vent, were also seized.

Eight men were arrested on suspicion of drugs and other offences. They were released on bail pending further enquiries.

A vulnerable female, believed to be a victim of ‘cuckooing’ – when criminals take over a person’s home and use it to sell or keep drugs – was also safeguarded.

Det Chf Inspector Phil Jackson, of West Yorkshire Police's Wakefield District, said: “West Yorkshire Police is committed to combating drugs and targeting the organised criminals who exploit the vulnerable in order to profit from their miserable trade.”

“Protecting our communities is a priority for us and I would like to thank the community as the intelligence they provide is key to police taking appropriate action.”

Currently the Neighbourhood Impact Team has recovered in excess of £9 million of controlled drugs, over £200,000 cash and viable firearms with significant sentences handed down at court.