IT'S well known that drugs - or more precisely the people using them - are responsible for a large proportion of the ever-increasing tide of crime.

All sorts of efforts are made to tackle the drugs problem by trying to cut off the supply lines that get heroin, for example, from the Far East or South American states like Colombia, onto the streets of East Lancashire.

Simultaneously hearts and minds campaigns are under way to persuade people, especially the young, that experimenting with drugs is not a smart way to conduct yourself.

These efforts range from sending experts into primary and secondary schools to going into nightclubs where too often teenagers are likely to come face to face with those who make very profitable criminal incomes by literally ruining the lives of others.

Now police in East Lancashire have given notice that they are extending their welcome determination to ensure that "drug dealers will have no place to hide."

As well as chasing them off the streets they are going into pubs to try to stop trafficking with the backing of the Licensed Victuallers' Association.

Seven raids already carried out on pubs in Blackburn and Accrington have led to the arrest of 15 people following the seizure of substances believed to be drugs.

As Blackburn and Hyndburn LVA chairman Derek Haworth points out: "Licensees might not be aware that people are using their premises to deal drugs so if the police do have this information it can only be good."

In crowded pubs with lots of dark corners it's easy to understand how publicans can fail to spot people passing tiny packages under tables.

And although sudden police raids might upset some wholly innocent drinkers this action has to be praised if it frightens off dealers.

Life must be made as unpleasant as possible for those who care so little about their fellow human beings.