Police forces across England and Wales launched a three-month drive to close down crack houses and tackle drug-related gun crime yesterday.

"Operation Crackdown", aims to provide "reassurance policing" to communities affected by heroin and cocaine abuse by showing that police are making efforts to tackle the problem.

A Home Office spokesman said police action would include raids on street dealers and on premises where drug dealing was taking place.

Leaflets will also be handed out to users detailing where they can get treatment for drug addiction and to residents explaining what the police have been doing in the local area.

Caroline Flint, the drugs minister, said the campaign would also use stop and search operations to clamp down on dealers carrying illegal weapons.

"Operation Crackdown sends a clear message to drug dealers that their behaviour will not be tolerated in our communities and that they will be brought to justice to face harsh penalties," she said.