Chief Inspector Kevin Lynch today said teenage tipplers were regularly being found drunk and incapable throughout Dundee and he called for the public’s help in combating the problem.

Tayside Police launched Operation Dry Up 18 months ago to crack down on underage drinking and identify unscrupulous owners of off-sales or licensed premises who sell alcohol to youngsters.

CI Lynch said the force had now upped the ante and were actively tasking more officers to the campaign.

Last weekend alone, officers confiscated large quantities of booze from under-age drinkers during visits to seven separate locations in the city.

CI Lynch said, “Our intelligence tells us that at this time of year — particularly in the school holidays — Dry Up returns do go up.

“Officers routinely do patrols on Friday and Saturday nights and this past weekend we recovered over 100 litres of alcohol from youths under 18.”

CI Lynch said the force was concerned such large amounts of drink were continuing to get into the wrong hands.

He said, “Officers are actioned to actively engage with licensed premises and keep advising them of their off-sale responsibilities.

“We have had prosecutions of licence holders found selling alcohol to under-18’s but, to be honest, I would like to see more.

“I would more than welcome a discussion with any member of the community who knows who might be selling alcohol to young people or acting as an agent for them.”

Anyone with such information should contact Tayside Police on 0300 1112222 or speak to any officer.