Harrogate Police were joined by a labrador police dog and handler from Durham constabulary for Operation Bedrock.

The operation targeted dealers and users of controlled drugs in licensed premises in the district and on-street checks were made on Parliament and John Street in Harrogate.

There were also a number of seizures of drugs that users had deliberately dropped on the floors of different pubs.

Harrogate Police sergeant Paul Mendham hailed the operation a big success. He said: “We had lots of positive comments from members of the public and licensees who were supportive of our purpose. We plan to do some similar operations in the near future.

“The misuse of certain types of controlled drugs typically leads to instances of both anti-social and violent behaviour.

“This kind of activity will not be tolerated.

“It spoils the enjoyment for the vast majority of revellers and causes huge logistical problems, not only for the police, but for other agencies, too, like the ambulance service and the local hospitals.”

A number of other agencies contributed towards the operation. Harrogate Borough Council licensing officers carried out ‘on’ licence checks of the pubs and nightclubs while North Yorkshire Trading Standards officers carried out checks of ‘off’ licence premises around Harrogate.

The operation was part-funded by the Harrogate District Safer Communities Partnership as part of the ongoing ‘Nightsafe’ initiative.

The initiative is designed to reduce violent crime specifically during the evening and early hours.

Last year there were more than 400 arrests for controlled drugs in the Harrogate district alone.

Operation Bedrock will be the cornerstone of numerous other operations and tactics used within the Harrogate district.

Sgt Mendham said: “If you are dealing or in possession of controlled drugs within the pubs and clubs – expect to get caught.”