THIRTEEN men have been charged with drug dealing offences following a police operation in Keighley.

The town's new police inspector has said the arrests were made possible thanks to information provided by members of the public.

The charges follow a series of warrants carried out at addresses across the town in the last week.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "A total of 21 men were arrested and officers also seized suspected Class A drugs worth approximately £3,000, along with about £20,000 in cash.

"The operation followed concerns raised with police in Keighley about the supply of illegal substances in the town.

"Insp Khalid Khan, who was recently appointed to lead the Keighley Area Neighbourhood Team, worked with colleagues and partners at Bradford district to devise the arrest operation."

Insp Khan praised members of the public who provided information to officers.

"This operation was made possible by information given to us by the people of Keighley, and I hope it sends out a message that police will not tolerate the supply of drugs in the town," he said.

"This will have had some impact on the local drugs trade and I also hope it illustrates that we will listen to the concerns of the public and take positive action where we can."

Keighley MP Kris Hopkins urged people to attend a public meeting in Keighley on Saturday where an anti-drug campaign will start.

“On behalf of the local community, I wish to congratulate West Yorkshire Police on the success of their operation," he said.

“As well as being able to bring forward charges against these individuals, officers have seized significant amounts of cash and illegal drugs.

“Following the issuing of my anti-drugs survey last year, there is now much greater local awareness of the damage drugs are doing to our town and its reputation.

“As a result, I invite anyone with an interest in ridding drugs from the streets of Keighley to join me at Central Hall on Saturday, January 21, at 10am for the launch of a new anti-drugs campaign in partnership with CrimeStoppers, Bradford District Safer and Stronger Communities Partnership and West Yorkshire Police.

“We want to demonstrate very clearly that the local community intends to stand together in opposition to illegal drugs and drug dealing in Keighley. It is time to put a stop to it.”

Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "This was a fantastic operation by Insp Khan and West Yorkshire Police with a really positive outcome for our communities.

"Drugs ruin lives and drug abuse often links to other crime and social issues causing wider problems for our communities and partners. Tackling drug abuse is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan and we will not allow drug dealers to ply their trade in West Yorkshire, it will never be a viable alternative to making an honest living here."

Anyone with information about the supply of illegal drugs can contact the team on 101, or by emailing keighleynt@westyorkshire.pnn.police.uk.

Information about those suspected of being involved in drug supply can also be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.