| Five addresses were raided in the Hilltown and Stobswell areas and are being searched by police. Of the seven people in custody, one has been arrested.
Around 50 officers are involved in the raids, the culmination of weeks of intelligence-gathering by Tayside Police.
Speaking to the Tele today Detective Chief Inspector Willie Semple, head of the CID in Dundee, said the raids had been a success.
They were part of operation Waterloo and 13 people had already been arrested.
“I am very satisfied but I would emphasise we are in this for the long term, working with Dundee City Council to make a lasting difference to this part of the city,” he said.
Operation Waterloo comes amid widespread concerns about the amount of heroin available in Dundee.
The Tele began to focus on the issue after a court heard police surveillance recorded 50 people visiting a flat in the space of five hours.
Solicitor George Donnelly told the court that the Hilltown was “awash with heroin” and a torrent of addicts would flood down to his client’s home.
And the man in charge of policing Dundee, Chief Superintendent Colin McCashey, admitted heroin was a “significant problem” in the city.
He revealed the force has subsequently deployed more resources into countering the drug problem in the Hilltown.
He said, “There has been significant media coverage about this issue, which has included questions about what the police are doing.
“People will understand it is not always possible to release details of ongoing operations, as this presents an opportunity for criminals to dispose of evidence.
“In recent months Tayside Police has stepped up activities in the Hilltown, not just to deal with drugs but also to tackle theft and robbery.
“Furthermore, we are working closely with the Dundee Community Safety Partnership to deal with prostitution and ensure that people get the help they need.”
During the latest raids, significant amounts of heroin and substantial four-figure sums of cash were uncovered.
Local councillor Joe Morrow said he and his constituents were pleased to see police taking firm action against hard drug abuse.
He said, “As a local councillor for the Stobswell area I know the residents will welcome the police taking this action.”
Coldside Councillor Jimmy Black said he was delighted with the police action — but predicted it would not solve the problem.
“That level of policing needs to be sustained because the problem is not going to go away in a week,” he said.
“But these raids send out a strong message. The community can see effective action, and we need to support the police as much as we can.”
Public Health Minister Shona Robison also welcomed the action, saying it would reassure the public.
“Sometimes people are frustrated at what they see as a lack of action,” she said.
“This raid confirms that behind the scenes a lot of work is going on.
“Clearly what we have seen with arrests and raids is a lot of that work coming to fruition.” |
