THE staggering haul of Class A drugs taken off our streets only serves as a sobering reminder of what can lie beneath the picture postcard view of Oxford.

But it is good to hear that Operation Bilbo, now in its third year, has seen 27 criminals jailed since January.

This crackdown on hardened drug dealers is welcomed and it is reassuring to see our police force tackling the issue head-on.

Drugs are a scourge on our society and can impact anywhere.

From the leafy suburbs of North Oxford to the tower blocks of Blackbird Leys, everywhere can be hit by the problems drug abuse brings.

The criminal impact of dealing does not stop with the gangs peddling illegal substances.

Turf wars over patches can lead to street violence and petty crime can rise as addicts turn to theft to get their next fix.

It is hoped that by continuing with this blitz, Thames Valley Police are nipping such criminality in the bud.

We need to hear more about this proactive policing.

Oxford residents all know what the issues are in their areas.

To know that Operation Bilbo is continuing to crack down hard on drugs in our city is excellent news, but police must keep up the momentum.