POLICE have seized a quantity of crack cocaine in a raid on a house in Clifton, York.

The drugs squad raid took place only a day after the Evening Press revealed how York was being hit by a massive increase in the use of the highly-addictive drug.

We reported how the crack habit was leading to an upsurge in other types of crime to feed the addiction.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Barlow said today that 54 "rocks" of crack cocaine, with an estimated street value of £600-£700, had been recovered during the raid on a property in Cromer Street. A quantity of heroin was also seized.

He said there were regular seizures of small quantities of crack cocaine, but this was one of the largest to have been made in York. "This has confirmed to us that this drug has come to the city in a large way," he said.

The recently-created drugs squad was determined to tackle the upsurge.

* Two men, one from Selby and the other from York, have appeared before magistrates in York charged with possession of a drug with intent to supply following the raid. One was remanded in custody and the other was remanded on bail.

Updated: 14:24 Monday, December 17, 2001