Police say dealers have been cleared from the streets

Police said the Blackman Lane area of Little London was a "market place" for dealing before 66 anti-social behaviour orders (Asbo) were handed out.

On Monday, "Operation Cape" was named as the most successful campaign to tackle street dealing in the country.

West Yorkshire Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn said it proved his force was committed to tackling drug crime.

"It was only a year ago that we were collecting Home Office awards for Crackdown in Bradford and Operation Stirrup - I'm delighted to see it remain with West Yorkshire," he said.

"It demonstrates the force's determination and expertise in tackling drug crime at street level and recovering assets from drug dealers.

"This award is a great honour and a testament to all of the hard work put in by West Yorkshire Police and Leeds City Council."

Council delight

The 66 Asbos were issued against known dealers, addicts and look-outs in just one day in September 2003.

It remains a record for the number of orders issued simultaneously since the system was introduced in April 1999.

Detective Superintendent Ian Wilson, who led the operation, said it marked an innovative approach to tackling drug dealing where traditional policing methods had "failed to produce a lasting change".

Councillor Keith Wakefield, Labour leader of Leeds City Council, said the government recognition was "richly deserved".

He added: "Operation Cape has demonstrated that we are not willing to tolerate anti-social behaviour in any form and are willing to take tough action where needed against those who try to make the lives of the law-abiding majority a misery."