THE Evening Advertiser joined forces with police to launch a telephone hotline enabling people to report suspected drug dealers.

In the past few years there has been a huge influx of drugs into Swindon and police in the area have increased their operations to make sure the tide is stemmed.

Since it was launched 18 months ago, the Swindon Drugs Hotline has made a major dent in the local drugs trade.

Six of the town's most notorious dealers are behind bars, numerous raids have been mounted and thousands of pounds worth of drugs have been cleared off the streets.

Police need the make and registration number of suspicious vehicles and descriptions of the dealers.

Suspicious activity around phone boxes is also a telltale sign of drug deals being made.

The hotline is answered by officers at Swindon Police Station, and all calls are treated in confidence.

Information can be left anonymously, but it is more helpful if callers can leave a name and contact number.