More than 50 police officers and nine Police Community Support Officers, supported by 30 detectives and support staff, took part in three days of action, targeting suspects in intelligence-led raids on properties in Harrogate, Richmond and Colburn, near Catterick Garrison.

The arrests included two men who have been charged with a total of 11 drug-related offences and fast-tracked to Harrogate Magistrates Court.

Western Area Commander Chief Superintendent Colin Taylor said: "Action under Operation Drystone is sending a clear message to the criminal fraternity that there is no place for them in North Yorkshire and sooner or later justice will catch up with them.

Criminal

"Drystone is about creating safer neighbourhoods and tackling crimes which affect the daily lives of law-abiding people.

"This week's intelligence-led activity focused on drug-related crime and used information and evidence gathered from a range of sources to enable us to effectively target specific suspects.

"The public can play a vital part in the helping us in the fight against crime by letting us have information about any criminal activity they suspect is taking place in their neighbourhood.

Cocaine

"Drystone activity will continue relentlessly and we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to ensure that North Yorkshire remains one of the safest counties to live and work."

During the operation officers seized drugs including ketamine, cocaine, Ecstasy, cannabis, cannabis resin, amphetamine and drugs paraphernalia with a value of up to £3,000.

Operation Drystone was launched in York on October 27. So far raids have been carried out in the York, Scarborough, Knaresborough, Richmond and Harrogate areas.

Supply

Sixty people have been arrested for various offences including assault, cultivation and production of cannabis, possession and supply of illegal drugs, theft, burglary and money laundering.

Suspected stolen property seized in the raids includes plant machinery, a lorry, trailers, Play station, bicycles, a car, fireworks, Sat-Navs, cameras, jewellery, televisions, sim cards, electrical goods, a variety of drugs and drugs paraphernalia.

Anyone wanting to report suspicious behaviour may do so by calling 0845 6060 247 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or calling in to local police stations.