POLICE were today asking magistrates to seize £35,000 cash found during a string of police raids in York at the homes of suspected drug dealers.

Officers said weapons, including parts of a shotgun, and several plastic bags of white powder, believed to be drugs, were also recovered.

The haul is the largest cash sum recovered in North Yorkshire this year.

Sergeant Bob Mowat said a barrister was making a formal application at York Magistrates Court today for police to temporarily seize the cash.

A number of homes in the Walmgate, Groves and Navigation Road areas of York were yesterday raided by teams of officers during Operation Cage. Two men arrested for alleged drug possession have since been released on police bail until January 7, pending further inquiries.

Police said they also recovered a small quantity of cannabis and property, including ornaments and copper piping, which is believed to have been stolen.

Chief Superintendent John Lacy said: "This is a fantastic haul. We will try to confiscate criminal assets wherever possible, whether they are cash, cars or houses."

The York and Selby area commander said the raids, which come on top of Operation Delivery, were part of a drive to "turn up the heat" on criminals in York. He said: "This is a prime example of what top quality intelligence from members of the public can do and help us clear the streets of crime.

"People are sick and tired of seeing a decline in their neighbourhoods. This is another example of groups working together to fight crime and there will be much more in the New Year."

The bags of white powder and suspected cannabis were today being analysed by scientists at the Forensic Science Service in Wetherby. Fingerprint and firearms experts were also looking at the haul of bank notes and weapons.

Since September, more than 15 search warrants have been executed in the Walmgate and Groves area of the city as part of Operation Delivery, a front line drive by the police to disrupt and prosecute criminals.

So far more than £23,000 cash and £300,000 worth of assets, including vehicles and jewellery, have been seized in North Yorkshire.

The seizures have been made possible under the Proceeds of Crime Act, which allows police to take cash and property funded by suspected criminal activity.

Earlier this year a North Yorkshire man was the subject of a £35,400 confiscation order after a investigation by police financial experts.

He was arrested in connection with the recovery of 20 kilos of cannabis resin and pleaded guilty at York Crown Court to conspiracy to supply controlled drugs.

Updated: 13:34 Thursday, November 27, 2003