The day began with a 5.30 am raid on a house north of Blairgowrie. A man is due to appear before a sheriff at Perth tomorrow.

Officers then moved swiftly in on two houses in the Broughty Ferry Road area around 9 am and hammered down their doors.

It is expected three men will appear before a sheriff tomorrow in connection with the alleged supply of Class A drugs.

Police later raided a house in the Craigie area. A small quantity of heroin was found and a report has been made to the procurator fiscal in Dundee.

Police dogs were in attendance and officers combed the properties for drugs, paraphernalia and evidence of dealing.

Today’s action is part of an intense rolling programme of intelligence-led enforcement, much of which has transpired as a result of information from the public.

It follows the recent announcement that deaths due to overdoses have risen significantly this year.

Acting Inspector Dave Barclay said the operation, which will continue over the next few weeks, has already had significant success with officers targeting around 30 houses every week from Montrose to Kinross.

A recent raid on a house in Perthshire also resulted in almost 50 deals of heroin, prepared and ready to be sold to addicts, while a further 24 wraps of the drug were seized from a house in Dundee.

“That’s a significant amount found in a small estate in the city centre area.

“We have had a fair increase in heroin overdoses. Last year we had about 50 overdoses and we have over 100 this year so far.

“We have also seen a significant increase in drugs deaths.

“Last year there was 19 drug deaths and this year we have 24 already.

“One of the main concerns is the figures are escalating.”

Insp Barclay said that if it weren’t for medical intervention by paramedics the number of drugs deaths would be far higher.

“There will be people treated by the ambulance service or at hospital that we don’t know about,” he said.

“Heroin itself, the purity has generally been going up. In the last two years it’s been averaging at 20% proof.

“In general, heroin has been getting stronger. There is no quality control. Heroin abusers don’t know if they are taking 20% pure or 70% pure heroin.

“That’s got to be attributable to the overdoses we have had.

“You’re also getting more heroin for your money, which again could have an effect on the overdoses.”

Prior to this latest action, heroin and cocaine with a street value of £1.8 million has been recovered in a series of raids across the region.

Earlier this year, an operation took officers to England to target groups attempting to make in roads to the drugs market in Tayside.

Quantities of heroin, cocaine and ecstasy with a street value of £2 million were recovered.

Insp Barclay praised the part the public has played in providing the police with important intelligence.

“The intelligence has been very good and the part the public plays in that can’t be underestimated, whether people have reported their concerns through Crimestoppers, or by calling our control room.

“I would urge anyone who can assist us to get in touch if they have any information.

“Heroin has far-reaching effects, whether it is health risks or inquisitive crime. House break-ins or break-ins to cars, credit card crime or shoplifting, the proceeds of this crime are going to feed heroin habits.”

Anyone with information should contact the main police number on 01382 223200, the Tayside Police drugs hotline on 01382 201444, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.