AN ANTI-DRUGS campaign aimed at educating young people and tackling dealers has resulted in nearly 60 arrests and the recovery of more than £500,000 worth of illegal substances.

The SNAP - Say No And Phone - initiative is aimed at youngsters aged between 13 and 25 and was launched by police in Lancashire just over a year ago.

The campaign was aimed at raising drug awareness and people were encouraged to ring the Crimestoppers freephone number 0800 555111 with information about dealers and drug taking.

Now police have revealed that since it began in October 1995, SNAP has prompted 560 phone calls and 59 people have been arrested. Around £574,000 worth of drugs, including cannabis, ecstasy, heroin and amphetamine, has also been recovered.

The local campaign is part of the nationwide SNAP scheme, run by Crimestoppers Trust, which has resulted in more than 2,000 arrests.

The scheme was originally due to run for 12 months but is being continued because of its success.

Lancashire Crimestoppers co-ordinator Charlie Sykes said: "All in all, it's been a very impressive campaign and I'm particularly encouraged that calls are still coming in at a steady rate, showing that the message is getting through to the target audience.

"However, we are not resting on our laurels and the SNAP campaign is only one part of the Constabulary's plans to heighten drug awareness among the young in an overall strategy to reduce drug-related crime."

Calls to the Crimestoppers line are treated in confidence and callers can qualify for a cash reward.

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