COMMUNITY leaders have welcomed a major operation to tackle the "scourge" of drugs in Keighley.

And hopes have been voiced that the initiative, which was staged over several weeks, will be the first of many.

More than 60 people were arrested during the crackdown – and drugs, cash and weapons seized.

Half of those held, on suspicion of drug supply offences, have been charged.

The operation was spearheaded by the police, in collaboration with Yorkshire and Humber Regional Organised Crime Unit.

Keighley MP Robbie Moore says: "This was one of the biggest anti-drug-dealing operations in recent memory and I'd like to thank West Yorkshire Police for targeting dealers head-on, adopting the no-nonsense approach to drug dealing that I have long fought for.

"Drug crime has painted Keighley in a terrible light for far too long, and ever since I was elected I've made tackling this scourge on our town one of my top priorities.

"Last month, I brought the Attorney General to Keighley to meet with our police and receive an update on drug dealing and anti-social behaviour operations across our area. This month, I brought these issues directly to our Home Secretary.

"I won't stop fighting until this issue is tackled once and for all and these criminals are brought to justice. I hope this is the first of many such operations in our town."

Keighley town mayor, Councillor Gulfraz Hussain, says: "I would like to thank West Yorkshire Police for their successful operation.

"Drug dealing is a big issue here in Keighley, and this initiative has sent a clear message that we will not tolerate it.

"I will work closely with the police to help ensure our communities are safe."

The operation followed an 18-month investigation into County Lines crime – which involves illegal drugs being transported from one area to another, usually by children or vulnerable people coerced into it by gangs.

Fifty-five warrants were executed in Keighley, plus six in Skipton , relating to the supply of Class A drugs.

More than £100,000 in cash, 3kg of cannabis, and crack cocaine and heroin were recovered.

Also, weapons including batons, knuckle dusters, two swords, a machete and crossbow were seized.

Detective Chief Inspector Tom Levitt, of West Yorkshire Police, says: "This has been a significant proactive operation tackling drugs and organised crime.

"Through working with our partners, we have managed to dismantle more than 20 County Lines from Keighley to Skipton.

"Bradford's Precision Team has worked tirelessly over the last 18 months, and these arrests and charges are the culmination of its hard work.

"We know the devastation that drugs can have on the community, and I hope this operation provides reassurance that we are taking this issue seriously."

Inspector John Barker, of Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team, says: "Residents say drugs are a huge concern in the area, and I would like to thank members of the community who provide vital intelligence about drug supply.

"We will do everything we can to keep people safe and get these drugs off the streets."

West Yorkshire Police were joined in the operation by colleagues from the North Yorkshire force.

Detective Chief Inspector Fionna McEwan, of North Yorkshire Police, says: "This extensive joint operation resulted in six warrants and seven arrests on suspicion of Class A drug offences in North Yorkshire alone and has led to the seizure of a significant quantity of substances from addresses in the Craven area. "Being a rural area, North Yorkshire is susceptible to County Lines drug supply networks from neighbouring districts. But by working closely with West Yorkshire Police and other forces, we can address the issue proactively and in a way that makes a real difference to our communities."