Police seized suspected crack cocaine, a machete and an axe as they launched their latest operation against Jamaican "Yardie" dealers.

In the co-ordinated sting, dozens of officers swooped at a Bradford pub where pushers were known to ply their trade.

For several years, dealers had previously operated from the notorious Young Lion Caf and neighbouring Tote bookmakers in Manningham's Lumb Lane. But with both premises having closed following prolonged police activity, intelligence revealed many had simply moved their business 100 yards down the road to the Queens pub.

At a briefing before yesterday's raid at about 1pm, officers were told many of the dealers were suspected illegal immigrants from Jamaica, often known as "Yardies".

When the pre-arranged "strike" signal was given, a convoy of vans, patrol cars and unmarked vehicles screeched to a halt outside the premises. Officers clad in body amour burst in through its front and side entrances and held all customers and staff inside.

While sniffer dogs scoured the building, a number of cars parked outside and an adjacent alleyway used by dealers, members of the Bradford District Drugs Team searched everyone in the vicinity.

Orders went out to check cigarette packets, crisp bags and other litter laying outside as dealers often use them as hiding places for their stashes.

Within 20 minutes, one woman was led out of the front doors in handcuffs into an awaiting police car. She was followed shortly afterwards by two men who were ushered into marked prisoner vans.

Police recovered about 15 suspected crack "rocks" as well as a machete and axe.

Detective Inspector Neil Benstead said: "This was a successful operation, having seized suspected Class A drugs, offensive weapons and disrupted dealing activity.

He added: "We cannot tackle these dealers, who bring misery to our communities, without information from local residents. They might not see us taking action the next day because our work may involve covert intelligence gathering.

"But I can assure them that every call will be acted upon and followed up."

As part of the operation a 42-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of possessing a class A drug with intent to supply and two men, aged 42 and 44, were arrested for possessing offensive weapons. A 43-year-old man was arrested for possessing an offensive weapon and receiving stolen goods and a 45-year-old man was held on suspicion of possessing a class A drug.

Another 43-year-old man was arrested for a public order offence.

Anyone with information about drug dealing is urged to contact Dob in Dealer through Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.