SUSPECTED drugs dens were raided in Huddersfield early today in the biggest- ever swoop by local police.

About 100 officers raided eight homes on the final day of a three-day operation targeting suspected drugs dealers.

The officers, from the West Yorkshire Drugs and Crime Unit and the Kirklees Division, smashed into the properties and made eight arrests.

One man was detained in Gilbert Grove, Crosland Moor, on suspicion of supplying class A drugs.

Another man was arrested in Elm Avenue, Thongsbridge, and 50 cannabis plants were seized.

Other properties raided were in Sheepridge, Aspley, Waterloo, Thornton Lodge, Newsome and Marsh.

It marked the end of a three-day operation in which 40 people have been arrested so far.

More than £75,000 has been recovered, along with substantial quantities of drugs and a gun.

Today's operation began with a mass briefing at 6am at Halifax police station.

Police said the intelligence-led operation aimed to strike at the core of drug markets by targeting people suspected of trafficking heroin and crack cocaine.

The swoop concluded an intensive investigation spanning almost two years.

Since Tuesday, police have raided houses in Salendine Nook, Thornton Lodge, Crosland Moor, Deighton, Bradley, Sheepridge, Quarmby, Hartshead, New Mill, Aspley, Holmfirth, Lockwood, Staincliffe at Dewsbury, Primrose Hill and Newsome.

The war against drugs has stepped up a gear in Kirklees in recent weeks.

The raids this week follows a swoop on `crack houses' this month, when 47 people were arrested and closure notices were served on 22 addresses, using anti-social behaviour legislation.

Det Chief Insp John Gilbody, from the Drugs and Organised Crime Unit, said: "Time is up for suspected dealers in Kirklees.

"If they have managed to avoid police before now, their luck has just run out.

"Through this operation we are targeting the individuals we believe are fuelling drug trafficking in the district.

"These people generate a climate of fear and misery for local residents and will not be allowed to continue.

"No-one should have to put up with drug dealing or the anti-social behaviour and crime it breeds."

People in Kirklees are urged to get behind police in the battle against drugs.

Anyone with suspicions about drug dealing can phone Crimestoppers anonymously and Dob in a Dealer on 0800 555 111.