POLICE have swooped to smash drug rings in Mirfield, Dewsbury and Batley.
More than 30 officers from the Kirklees District Drug Team carried out the first wave of raids on homes yesterday as part of the new national Operation Crack Down campaign.
Large amounts of heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis were recovered from addresses in Partridge Crescent, Thorn Avenue and Cross Road in Thornhill, Dewsbury, and The Avenue on Batley's Wilton Estate.
The biggest haul was found at a house in Northway, Mirfield, where, along with drugs, a pistol, thousands of pounds in cash, a stolen car and stolen credit cards were found.
A 38-year-old Mirfield man was arrested for allegedly possessing a firearm and alleged possession of class A drugs with intent to supply.
Two men, both from Batley and aged 39 and 42, were arrested for alleged possession of class C drugs. They were released on police bail.
A 37-year-old Thornhill woman was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. She was later released from police custody.
A 17-year-old youth from Thornhill was given a caution for allegedly possessing of class C drugs.
The head of the drugs team, Det Insp Mick Turner, said the raids had been a huge success.
"This is the beginning of a campaign in the area to get class A drugs like heroin and crack cocaine off our streets," he said.
"We are targeting crack houses in the area and sending out a clear message to street dealers.
"We have recovered a large quantity of not just drugs but things that go hand in hand with dealing."
Since April last year the drugs team has arrested 272 people on drug- related offences. Some 107 have since been charged.
Det Insp Turner added: "It is about more than just stopping dealers.
"After raids of this type we have community beat officers in the targeted areas to talk to people and hand out leaflets about what they can do to clean up their streets and, if they, too, are involved in drugs, how they can get out."
