STREET drug dealers face being caught red-handed by undercover police as part of a crackdown on heroin and crack cocaine in York.

One pusher snared selling drugs on the steps of York Magistrates Court could already face a prison sentence.

Three Bell Farm residents accused of supplying heroin on 18 occasions in January were arrested in a string of raids earlier this week.

Police bosses said that three further individuals have also been charged with drugs-related offences and will appear in court later this week.

The Evening Press understands that up to £20,000 has been spent on high-tech surveillance equipment for the campaign, which is codenamed Operation Caboodle.

Plain-clothes police officers brought in from outside the county contacted drug dealers during a three-week operation in January and arranged to buy drugs.

A series of meetings followed in the city centre and suburbs where wraps of heroin were exchanged while officers gathered potentially damning evidence.

Detective Sergeant Chris Hogg, of York drugs squad, said interrupting the supply of Class A drugs is a top priority of the police.

He warned addicts that a recent batch of heroin is causing blood clots, putting intravenous users at risk of a stroke, heart attack or even sudden death.

"Reducing the availability of class A drugs is paramount in reducing the damage to both individuals and society at large and this specialist equipment has made a very considerable impact on our effectiveness.

"We are now able to capture quality evidence for later presentation to court and gain subsequent convictions.

"However, this is not only about removing suppliers, it is also about referring users to treatment and support," he said.

The evidence-gathering equipment has been paid for with a one-off Home Office grant, arranged by the Safer York Partnership.

Elaine Curtis, of Safer York Partnership, said: "We are delighted to be involved in this partnership operation and will continue to target dealers and work with treatment agencies to offer support to users".

If you have information about criminal drug use call Crimestoppers, for free and in confidence, on 0800 555 111. You may be eligible for a reward.

Updated: 10:57 Wednesday, February 18, 2004