They operate in the shadows away from prying eyes plying their destructive and life-threatening trade.

At one time people might have closed their eyes and ears to the problem preferring instead to believe that it could not possibly happen where they lived.

Now people are more savvy and equally willing to help the police, which is a tremendous boost in their struggle to clean up our streets.

The latest trend in dealing poses a new and worrying challenge and at the same time will require even greater co-operation from the public.

According to police sources dealers are now delivering drugs to order in the same way ordinary people might call their local takeaway for a bite to eat.

These peddlers of misery are now meeting users at pre-determined destinations with their orders and have been seen swapping drugs through the open windows of cars.

To make it more difficult to trace them, they use different vehicles all the time.

The police have been made aware it is happening in Ovenden in particular, though it is a safe bet it will be taking place elsewhere too.

For their part the police have asked the public to continue feeding them information and in particular registration plates.

"We're monitoring the problem and working on the information that we have, we just need the information to be a bit more specific," said a police spokesman.

The battle against drugs places a tremendous strain on police resources, but the dealers cannot be allowed to win.

With a little more vigilance and a lot of luck, more of these low-lifes can be brought before the courts and dealt with accordingly.

They have no place in an orderly society and need to be shown that they do not rule the streets.