DRUGS FEATURE: WITHIN minutes of the Evening Advertiser launching the Swindon Drugs Hotline, the phone was ringing with the first call.

The caller, from West Swindon, rang at 10am yesterday to tell detectives he believed his neighbour was peddling drugs.

It could result in a raid at the address, or the suspect may be placed under surveillance.

The Evening Advertiser and the police launched the hotline yesterday to clamp down on dealers who sell £50,000 worth of drugs every day in Swindon.

The man gave detectives the name and address of the suspect.

Although callers can remain anonymous, the man gave his own name and address to police in case they needed to call him back for further information.

Detective Sergeant Gerry Watkins, of the divisional intelligence unit at Swindon police station said: "The man was very concerned about his neighbour. He was suspicious because lots of people were visiting the property for short periods of time. He had children, and he was very worried.

"We will now do some research about the suspect. We might raid him, or put him under observation."

During the first day, 26 calls were made to the hotline.

Det Sgt Watkins said: "We're really pleased with the information coming in. A lot of it we can use to trace dealers and we've also been told of some new areas in which they operate."

The police estimate that Swindon has around 2,500 serious drug users, who mainly fund their addiction through crime.

Swindon mayor Coun Derek Benfield endorsed the hotline.

He said: "Any initiative which eradicates drug use is to be applauded. Just two drug addicts is a problem, but 2,500 is terrible, and it's a problem that is growing.

"I'm sure that by working together, the Advertiser and the police will achieve positive results.

"I have a certain sympathy for the user, because once they are sucked in that is it.

"But I have no sympathy whatsoever for the dealers."

Council leader Mike Bawden (Con, Old Town and Lawns), said: "Drugs are a problem across the UK, and here in Swindon drug use is increasing. It is vitally important that all agencies work with the police to ensure that this issue is confronted urgently."

North Swindon MP Michael Wills said he was alarmed at the increasing drug problem in Swindon.

He said: "The campaign is an excellent initiative. Drug use is on the rise, and the consqueances are terrible for the individuals concerned and the communities in which they live.

"It is a major cause of crime, and this initiative will be of great help getting this problem under control."

South Swindon MP Julia Drown also gave her backing. She said: "Increasing drug taking is a major issue of concern in our town and I urge anyone who has information to call the hotline. We need to tackle this menace before it gets out of control."

Glenys Armstrong, who heads the borough council's Drug and Alcohol Action Team, said: "Drug use in Swindon is increasing, as it is nationally.

"The Home Office is putting extra funding into drug treatment and also into the police to try and reduce supply.

"I welcome anything that reduces the impact of drugs on the community."

David Cork, who manages Druglink, a voluntary agency which gives support and advice to around 25 dependent drug users a day in Swindon, said: "The agency abhors drug dealing and I support the campaign.

"Drug addiction doesn't just affect the user, it affects their family and others in the community.

"Also, if those who deal to fund their own habits are caught, they will get treatment via the criminal justice system."