HIGH purity heroin that killed four South Wales drug users could make its way to Gwent, police fear.

On Monday night, police found the body of a man in his home on Eureka Place, Ebbw Vale, and they are trying to ascertain if heroin was involved.

The coroner's office has been informed of the suspected drugs death. As the Rat on a Rat campaign to get dealers off our streets gets under way, DCI Adrian Erasmus warned: "There is every likelihood the same drugs that killed the four in Swansea could be in our county. Even people who are used to taking drugs could still be killed if it is at a higher purity."

DCI Erasmus said there were added dangers for users as dealers often add toxic substances like cleaning powders to increase the bulk of drugs. Rat on a Rat, launched on Monday, is encouraging people to tell police of drug dealing in their neighbourhoods, in confidence, via Crimestoppers.

Chief constable Mike Tonge, speaking at the launch held at The Parkway Hotel in Cwmbran, said Rat on a Rat ran successfully in South Wales Police's Swansea division from September to November last year.

During that period "actionable calls" about drugs rose from 13 to 192, amounting to a 1,500%increase. The calls led to 70 arrests and £14,000 worth of drugs seized.

Mr Tonge added: "I hope to see that success replicated and matched here in Gwent. The fight against drugs is everyone's fight, not just the police and health service."

He said a third of burglaries are drug-related as are half of shoplifting offences.

Edwina Hart, the Assembly's Minister for Social Justice and Regeneration, said: "Rat on a Rat empowers law abiding citizens to give information without fear of reprisals. Some people talk about legalising drugs but I think that is quite an indulgence."

She praised the Kaleidoscope programme in Newport that helped heroin users come off the drug.

The Gwent Police project comes a fortnight after the Argus Shop a Dealer campaign that has already seen dozens of names and addresses passed to police.

Anyone wishing to Rat on a Rat can do so confidentially and free by telephoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Or callers can telephone the Argus on 01633 777226 or 01633 777219.