The emerging picture of class A drug use outside of towns and cities has caused concern for Dyfed Powys Police, which covers a huge rural area, from Hay-on-Wye to St Davids.

New units have been set up to beat dealers targeting towns and villages to sell hard drugs.

Figures released by Dyfed Powys Police show that of the 2,200 drug seizures in 1998 by the force, 25 per cent were amphetamines and class A drugs, including cocaine, heroin, ecstacy and LSD.

Detective Chief Superintendent Jeff Thomas said his force had drafted 45 officers into seven proactive units dealing with drugs, equipped and trained to the same standards as the National Crime Squad.

"It represents an investment of £1million and sends clear messages of our determination to embark on an ever greater crackdown on 'career' drug dealers," said Detective Chief Superintendent Thomas.

Officers work in units

"We believe we have the last best chance of preventing the massive taking of Class A drugs that takes place in so many of our major towns and cities."

The force is also active on drug prevention, placing more of an emphasis on accessible treatment and improving the available resources for drugs education.

"I have no doubt that such activity has reduced our drug related deaths, which at one stage in 1997-98 averaged one a month over an 18 month period," explained Mr Thomas.

Dyfed Powys Police is one of the most successful forces in England and Wales, with a high rate of crime detection and low crime levels.