"WE know who you are and we will prosecute you" - that's the message from Dorset Police as they launch a massive operation to sting class A drug dealers.

A haul of drugs, with a street value of £350,000, was seized by local police in a very short period of time.

And police plan to get tougher.

They say a new mapping process has given them a clear idea who the drug dealers are and that officers will be conducting a series of undercover operations and overt policing to deter and detect.

DCI Mark Cooper, the officer in charge of what has been dubbed Operation Dismantle, said: "We do know who these people are and we will target and prosecute them.

"This is an opportunity for them to stop or face substantial prison sentences and asset recovery.

"They are not untouchable.

"We have intelligence and information that suggests there are strong supply links to this area from London, Bristol and Liverpool.

"Bournemouth and Poole have particular issues around drug supply.

"I'm talking about drug dealing in the streets, in houses and in licensed premises.

"The public will see co-ordinated police response, identification of where the problems are and the closing down of crack-houses in their area.

"And we'll be issuing notices in those areas which did have a problem to say we've resolved it."

It is hoped clamping down on the supply of drugs will prevent crimes such as thefts and burglaries by addicts stealing to fund their addiction.

And police have announced an intention to take a back seat to the medical authorities when people overdose in case addicts are delaying seeking medical help for fear of legal ramifications.

DCI Cooper added: "The priority when someone overdoses is that they get the medical treatment they need."

Local drug and youth offending teams will play their role in Operation Dismantle, educating and rehabilitating offenders.

If you suspect drug-related crime is going on in your neighbourhood and have information to help catch offenders, call police on 01202 222222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111.

First published: April 5