THE war against drugs abuse costs this country millions of pounds every month.

It is also the root cause of most burglaries, robberies, muggings and thefts of and from motor vehicles.

So it is heartening to learn that Lancashire police's anti-drugs campaign, Say No And Phone, has been a great success during its first year.

It has resulted in nearly 60 arrests and the recovery of more than £500,000 worth of illegal substances.

The campaign encourages people to ring Crimestoppers on a freephone number with information about dealers and drugs taking.

There is no doubt that some people regard secret 'phone lines with abhorrence.

They smack of the school "snitches" or what the criminal classes describe as "grasses."

But there is nothing dishonourable about supplying information which leads to the conviction of drugs dealers. Drugs are the scourge of our time and vast amounts of money are involved.

Therefore, the people who operate drugs syndicates will stop at nothing...and that includes murder.

The SNAP initiative is aimed at young people between the ages of 13 and 25.

This is the most vulnerable age group. Those who take up the drugs habit as youngsters play into the hands of the drugs barons.

They represent a wealthy future for some of our most evil criminals.

Secret 'phone lines have saved the country millions of pounds by revealing benefits scroungers.

They have also worked to some extent against terrorist organisations in Northern Ireland.

But they can play an even more important role in the drugs war.

We fully support the SNAP initiative.

Every 'phone call can prevent someone from becoming a victim of the drugs barons.

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