A NEW Year's resolution to remain tough on drug-related crime is paying off for residents in Pennine Division - but not for criminals.

Yesterday police executed the first of many drug warrants in Parkinson Street, Burnley Wood, which had been identified by the area's new community beat officer PC Andy Thornhill.

Officers seized a quantity of cannabis and heroin and made three arrests of two men and a woman.

One man and the woman will be in court tomorrow while a second man is still being interviewed by police.

It is the second raid in Burnley this week - on Saturday police arrested one man and seized four blocks of cannabis and property from a house in Branch Road.

Inspector John Clucas praised the work of officers and pledged to ensure that 2002 would not be a peaceful year for criminals.

He said: "We have started 2002 as we mean to go on - by cracking down hard on the use and supply of drugs.

"Last year we carried out scores of warrants and made dozens of arrests and this year will be no different.

"Our message to local criminals is clear: the buying, selling and using of drugs from people's homes in residential areas and the crime that this attracts will simply not be tolerated.

"As always, I would appeal for the public's help in the fight against drugs. If anyone knows anything about any drug related crime they should contact us or give Crimestoppers a ring, free and in confidence on 0800 555 111.

"Where we have good quality information, we will take action. We will find out who the suppliers are and bring them before the courts."