Police want the public to help them catch local drugs dealers

Operation Crackdown aims to reassure people and generate more community based intelligence on drug suppliers.

Notts Police will also be reinforcing its "Rat on a Rat" campaign.

Last year officers in the county arrested nearly 1,000 dealers, seized drugs with a street value of more than �9.5m and recovered over 400 fire arms.

The scheme is being led by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) in partnership with the Home Office.

The best and most up to date information comes from people living in the communities most blighted by drug use Steve Spear, Nottingham City Council Drug and Alcohol Action Team

Altogether 33 forces are involved across the UK, including Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and South Yorkshire.

Other agencies involved in the treatment and rehabilitation of drug users are also taking part in Operation Crackdown.

Residents will be leafleted in the hope of enlisting their help.

Nottinghamshire Police's Deputy Chief Constable Howard Roberts, who is leading Operation Crackdown for ACPO, said drug suppliers fuel an addiction estimated to cost the UK, in total some, �18bn a year.

He added: "I appeal to all parts of the community to support us strongly with information on drug suppliers. Together we can make a significant impact."

Steve Spear, from the Nottingham City Council Drug and Alcohol Action Team, said: "The best and most up to date information comes from people living in the communities most blighted by drug use."