A BID to beat drug dealers in Kidderminster has been hailed a resounding success after several major suppliers were put behind bars.

And the town's major heroin dealer has been forced to "change his methods" as a result of Operation Clampdown, which received huge praise from the Government's drugs "Czar" Keith Hellawell.

In his last report, the country's anti-drugs co-ordinator said West Mercia Police's innovative crackdown had been an overwhelming success.

Kidderminster Police head Chief Supt Ron Whitfield said he was "extremely satisfied" with the praise for his division's role in the countywide programme, which involved warning dealers' associates police knew who they were and they would be sent to prison if they continued to operate.

Mr Hellawell said: "Constant disruption works. In November 1998 a major heroin dealer moved his operations to Kidderminster.

"Officers called on the occupants of the house, told them their activities were being watched and warned them they would face prison if they continued, which immediately forced the dealer to change his methods."

Dealers are targeted over a four-week period under Operation Clampdown.

Warrants are issued at target premises and dealers are warned about their actions.

Marked police cars then park outside addresses and officers make themselves known to dealers when they arrive or leave.

Finally, police target vehicles visiting the addresses to check for document and defect offences and in the last week officers contact dealers on their mobile phones to tell them calls are being monitored and also carry out stop searches.

Chief Supt Whitfield said: "There have been an increasing number of prison sentences given to people in our division guilty of drug offences and we are continuing to fight this.

"Operation Clampdown was very beneficial and it is very satisfying to hear Mr Hellawell's comments.

"We have to keep on top of the situation though, and will look for new operations which can help us do this."

Chief Insp Mark Williams, of Kidderminster Police, said: "The operation was highly successful and led to a number of major players being locked up. A major dealer has been put away for a long time so it's refreshing to read the report."