A SERIES of high profile drugs raids mark the beginning of a major police purge on dealers throughout Hampshire.

The Rat on a Rat campaign began in Southampton, but police are urging people to inform on suspected drug dealers in cities and rural districts like the New Forest and Avon Valley.

Rat on a Rat is a partnership between the Crimestoppers and Hampshire Constabulary and combines a public awareness drive and tough enforcement.

Chief Constable Paul Kernaghan said: "Through Rat on a Rat we are urging members of the public to contact Crimestoppers with information about drug dealing in their area and help us make Hampshire and the Isle of Wight even safer places to live, work and visit."

Crimestoppers' chairman Simon Theobalds said: "Drugs normally come from someone in the neighbourhood, someone who is known to you and who knows you.

"This does not entitle them to the protection you would give a mate.

"All dealers are rats, a plague in Hampshire. They are vermin and do not deserve respect or protection.

"It's okay to rat on a rat."

Mr Kernaghan said: "There is no doubt abuse of illegal drugs is a significant crime generator.

"People addicted to drugs often commit crime to feed their habit.

"Indeed, many of our most prolific burglars and those responsible for carrying out vehicle crime across the two counties are users.

"Hampshire Constabulary is committed to problem-solving policing - tackling the causes of crime and not just the symptoms.

"We are working with charities such as Crimestoppers, along with our partners in health, social services, education and probation on a three-pronged approach to the drugs problem - educating the public about the dangers of drugs, empowering users by providing them with the treatment and support they need to break their habit and taking enforcement action against dealers."

Anyone with information about drug dealers should telephone Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

First published: August 23