DRUG dealers in the region are being hunted in cyberspace thanks to a new initiative.

As part of the ongoing Rat on a Rat project, the Darlington Drug and Alcohol Action Team and Durham police have set up a website allowing people to pass on anonymous information about drugs to the police.

Net The Rat was launched yesterday and officers are now waiting to act on any information they receive.

Sergeant Paul Robinson of Durham Police said: "We think this is the first website in the country set up just to receive information about suspected drug dealers.

"So many people have access to the Internet, it seemed the logical thing to give them the opportunity to join our campaign.

"This gives them the chance to give us information anonymously if they wish or to leave a contact email address so we can find out more."

The website also gives details of the Crimestoppers phone number where people can call to give information about drug dealers in the area.

Sgt Robinson said: "The website is just another way of getting the message across.

"There may be people, who for whatever reason, don't like the thought of calling on the phone and leaving their information but who would be happy to do so by computer."

Any information received on the site will be followed up and anything that involves other police forces around the country will be passed on.

Sgt Robinson said: "We would be happy to help other forces set up a similar website and we will also pass on any information we get."

The Rat on a Rat campaign was launched on Monday in conjunction with The Northern Echo to encourage people to give information to the police about drug dealers by ringing Crimestoppers.

In the first two days of the campaign, Crimestoppers dealt with more calls than they usually have in a fortnight.

Sgt Robinson said: "We are delighted with the response. We also have people coming into the office asking for posters and leaflets to distribute in their communities.

"We want people to realise drugs do not just affect the addicts but also their families, friends and the community at large. By getting in touch they can make a real difference."

l The website can be found at www.nettherat.or