May this year will see the launch of the Rat on a Rat initiative within Gwent.

The campaign is specifically aimed at encouraging the public to call the dedicated Crimestoppers hotline 0800 555 111 and give police vital information about class A drugs such as crack cocaine and heroin and drug dealers they know are operating in their area. Each call is completely confidential and may be entitled to a cash reward.

The campaign is a vital part of Operation Tarian, a task force set up to combat the problem of Class A drugs and organised crime gangs within Southern Wales.

Detective Chief Inspector Erasmus of Headquarters CID and Mr. Brian Heal Head of Community Safety within Gwent, lead the initiative for the force. Detective Chief Inspector Erasmus is confident of a successful campaign:

"It is already a known fact that police officers in Gwent detect more crimes per officer than any other force in the country. This is undoubtedly attributable to the strong support we get from the public of Gwent and this campaign will only further this. Drugs destroy lives and communities but with the help of the people who live in those communities Rat on a Rat aims to root out the dealers responsible and make the towns of Gwent a safer place to live."