Police have been given new powers to close drug dens

Officers from 32 forces will use undercover operations, stop-and-search and surveillance to target dealers of drugs including cocaine and heroin.

New laws have made it easier for police to seize dealers' assets and close down the sites used to sell drugs.

Police will also hand out leaflets to users detailing where they can get treatment for drug addiction.

This is the police service putting the government's drug strategy into action Andy Hayman ACPO

Leaflets will also aim to reassure communities by explaining what police have been doing in the area.

The campaign will make use of powers laid out in the Anti-Social Behaviour Act to bring dealers to justice, the Home Office said.

The measure is part of the Drugs Bill announced in the Queen's Speech in November.

Andy Hayman, chairman of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) drugs sub-committee, told BBC News: "This is the police service putting the government's drug strategy into action.

'Reassuring policing'

"This is, on an unprecedented scale, all forces working together to try and breathe life into what we see as an important part of enforcement of the drug strategy."

Crime analyst Jon Silverman told BBC Radio 5 Live that the campaign marked a change in the police's approach to drug dealing.

He said it was an attempt to provide "reassuring policing", by having a visible presence, to make communities aware of the steps being taken to crack down on local dealers.

But Mr Silverman added that the campaign will not address the reasons why people turn to drugs, which means it is unlikely to combat substance abuse in the long term.