POLICE in Gwent are playing a part in a nationwide blitz on cocaine and heroin dealers.

Yesterday Operation Crackdown was launched in England and Wales, to run until the end of March.

The forces involved will use covert surveillance, stop and search, CCTV and undercover operations to fight against drug dealing.

Detective Superintendent Bryan Wilson, from Gwent Police, said: "Our response to Operation Crackdown will be based on intelligence and any information we gather from the community about heroin and crack cocaine dealing we will act on.

"People can ring their local police station in confidence or contact Crimestoppers."

He said the force had already taken major steps to remove class A dealers from the county with recent operations like Reptile and Corola.

Operation Reptile, which concluded in December, netted 2.5 million worth of drugs and led to the seizure of four firearms and 400,000 cash.

Operation Corola dismantled a Yardie gang crack house in Pill where Class A drugs were readily available.

Operation Crackdown will deploy powers in the Anti-Social Behaviour Act to bring pushers to justice and seize their drugs, assets and firearms, according to the Home Office.

Officers will distribute leaflets informing those using illegal drugs that their supply may have been cut off and telling them where they can get treatment for their addiction.

Home Office Minister Caroline Flint said: "Operation Crackdown sends a clear message to drug dealers that their behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities and that they will be brought to justice and face harsh penalties.

"During this campaign police forces will also be focusing on seizing illegal firearms, ensuring that wherever possible guns are taken off the streets. "

Association of Chief Police Officers drugs spokesman Andy Hayman said: "Class A drugs remain a pressing priority for the police service given the threat and danger they present to society.