Police stormed The Fusion Bar, Loft Club and the Winter Seam in the raid on Saturday night after months of gathering intelligence on suspected dealers.

Nine men were arrested in connection with the supply of class A drugs.

Wakefield Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Marc Callaghan, who led the operation said: "We have been aware of public concern over the illegal supply of drugs in the vicinity of the Xscape complex and have spent many months gathering intelligence and gearing up for this weekend's operation."

"In recent weeks, with Operation Grassland, Wakefield district has seen a record number of arrests for suspected drug dealing. It is this drugs market that fuels a great deal of local crime, as it is drugs users who break into people's homes and cars to feed their addictions.

"I made a promise that any information reported to Wakefield District Police would be acted on - again this is clear evidence of us delivering on that promise."

The raid at Xscape, which is hugely popular across the region for it's indoor skiing facilities, involved officers from local Neighbourhood Policing Teams supported by officers from the Force's Crime and Operations Support Divisions, Roads Policing and local CID.

Of the nine arrested, five have been charged and bailed to appear before Pontefract Magistrates on Thursday, one remains in custody and three have been bailed pending further enquiries.

During the operation officers also seized an amount of class A drugs, a car and cash.

All three bars have remained closed following the operation and a licensing hearing is now due to take place.

Chf Spt Callaghan added: "The Xscape complex is a family entertainment centre that attracts a lot of visitors to the district and we will not have that blighted by those people intent on criminal activity.

"We want to reassure the people of the district that we will continue to vigorously pursue those we suspect of being involved in the illegal supply of drugs. We also want those involved in the drugs trade to be under no illusion we will continue to use a wide range of tactics to target them and they should expect a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.

"We will look to carry out this type of operation again, and we would urge anyone who has any information about drug dealing activity in their area to contact us anonymously and in confidence via Crimestoppers under the Dob in a Dealer initiative on 0800 555 111."