Officers raided 11 houses

The house in the Falkirk area was one of 11 targeted in raids by Central Scotland Police.

Police said that local residents came out onto the streets to applaud the action in some areas.

Four people were arrested and drugs, believed to include heroin and cocaine, were seized during the operation on Thursday.

Drug abuse

Chief Constable Andrew Cameron said the raids showed the benefits of working with the community to target drug dealers.

However, he said: "I am totally appalled that in one particular case... a two-year-old toddler was found in a house surrounded by needles and all the trappings of drug abuse, while his parents were injecting themselves.

"This must once again highlight the need to protect the vulnerable members of our society from the dangers and effects of drug abuse, and harden our resolve to tackle the dealers."

I would ask that communities keep speaking to us to enable us to continue our drive against the dealers DCI David Wilson

Detective Chief Inspector David Wilson said the force would make every effort to act on information from local people.

He stressed that there was also a human aspect to drug abuse which could not be ignored.

"The realisation that some drug abusers are themselves victims merely spurs us on to greater efforts in tackling those who capitalise on their misery," he said.

"I would ask that communities keep speaking to us to enable us to continue our drive against the dealers."

Meanwhile, nine people were arrested for drugs offences following raids on 14 properties in Edinburgh, East Lothian and West Lothian.