Police have seized cannabis plants with a street value of £100,000 from a half-set-up drugs factory in the centre of Keighley.

Officers believe the Devonshire Street premises could have produced larger quantities of drugs once completed.

They are searching for the gang responsible for the factory, built in two converted houses.

Police said the large-scale cannabis factory, which was empty at the time of yesterday's raid, had South-East Asian origins.

The raid was carried out following a tip-off from the public.

Police from the Bradford District Drugs Team, Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team and Operations Support Unit recovered 234 cannabis plants with a street value of more than £100,000, together with drug- making equipment.

The raid was one of a number of operations in the Highfield area to address crime issues raised by local people.

Sgt Steve Banks, of the Bradford District Drugs Team, said: “There is no doubt that we have put it out of action before it could be used to produce larger quantities of drugs.

“Inquiries remain active to trace those responsible for manufacturing drugs here.”

Police are keen to hear from anyone with knowledge of the people using the address, or who may have seen suspicious activity or suspicious vehicles. Call Det Con 4099 David Jackson on (01274) 376002 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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