Detective Inspector Campbell McGregor also called upon the communities of Tayside to assist the police by providing information on any illegal or suspicious activities.

“We have had considerable success in disrupting the trade of heroin and cocaine in Tayside, with some very significant recoveries of both of these Class A drugs in recent months,” said DI McGregor.

“Indeed, in the last fiscal year, we recovered heroin with a street value well in excess of £1 million — the largest amount ever recovered in Tayside in a 12-month period.

“But there can be no pause for reflection. As with all serious crime, our attention must always be upon the drug dealing that remains so far undetected.

“Our co-ordinated activities are driven by intelligence and any information we receive from the public can be invaluable in curtailing those who deal drugs.

“Drug dealers and the poison they trade have a terrible effect on communities and upon lives within communities — in both urban and rural areas.

“Drug dealers don’t care, they profit from the vulnerability of others and we want the public’s assistance in removing them from their neighbourhoods.”

DI McGregor continued, “I am urging people to report any suspicious activity in the area where they live. If you see anything out of the ordinary or simply suspect that someone is up to no good I would ask you to contact Tayside Police.”

The force has a dedicated 24-hour drugs hotline, which can be contacted in confidence on Dundee 201444. People can also phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police also expressed concern that the chances of heroin users overdosing on the illicit drug have increased because purity of end-deals was increasing.

While stressing they are active in dealing with the illegal possession and use of drugs as well as their supply, officers also want addicts to minimise the risks they expose themselves to.

Drugs co-ordinator Inspector Wendy Symington said, “First and foremost I would ask people to dial 999 if they are with someone who they suspect is suffering a drugs overdose.

“We would also advise drug users to speak to staff at the Tayside Harm Reduction Service on Dundee 424533.”