IN recent weeks, we have reported the tragic consequences of young people taking drugs.

There will also be a need for education to warn children of the perils and, thankfully, the majority heed the warnings. No effort must be spared in extending and improving the message.

But no matter how good an education programme is, some young people will remain vulnerable to temptation.

It is on these individuals that drug dealers prey.

These criminals are the scourge of our communities, plying an evil trade for a quick and easy profit. They have no concerns for the often tragic consequences of peddling drugs.

Remove them from the streets and put them behind bars and it will be more difficult for young people to fall victim to drugs.

The best deterrent against dealers is the risk of detection, the risk of conviction and the risk of being denied their liberty.

That is why we welcome the Rat on a Rat campaign launched by Durham Police, and why The Northern Echo is willing to offer its support.

Anyone with information has the chance to reduce the misery caused by drugs and, ultimately, the chance to save young lives. We urge such people to come forward.

Still divided by Europe

IN attracting the support of the majority of the shadow cabinet, Michael Portillo already appears assured of victory in the contest to be leader of the Conservative Party.

It is apparent that there is a behind-the-scenes consensus to prevent Kenneth Clarke - or rather, his pro-Europe views - from seizing control.

But without one-nation Tories like Mr Clarke under his wing, Mr Portillo is negating his chances of ever winning an election and leading his party back to Government.

Mr Portillo has to find some means of bringing Mr Clarke back into the fold.

He would be wise to offer an olive branch by promising Mr Clarke and his supporters a free vote on the euro, in return for unity on the issues on which the next election will be fought.