Police questioned scores of youths during the operation

Officers also issued 140 official warnings during the operation, which happened on Friday night across the Central Scotland Police area.

A total of 120 pubs and off-licences were visited in an attempt to curb the sale of alcohol to under-age drinkers.

Chief Constable Andrew Cameron hailed the operation as a success.

Operation Reassurance saw 52 youth warning letters being written during patrols at more than 220 places.

Officers carried out 11 positive drug searches and stopped four people carrying offensive weapons.

The confiscation of 131 bottles of alcohol over a relatively short period in one evening highlights areas which we must tackle Chief Constable Andrew Cameron

During one incident, cannabis with a street value of �700 was recovered from a car stopped in Grangemouth.

Police patrols at a football facility set up to encourage youths away from anti-social behaviour in Alloa moved on a gang of teenagers unconnected with the initiative who were trying to intimidate other youngsters.

Mr Cameron said the force had long-term goals for cracking down on youth crime.

He said: "This will be a sustained approach to responding to and dealing with problems which our communities tell us matter to them.

"The confiscation of 131 bottles of alcohol over a relatively short period in one evening highlights areas which we must tackle, like off-sales and targeting anyone buying alcohol for youngsters.

"The operation was testament to the fact we are focused on the issues which concern our communities and such activity will continue."

Inspector Bob Beaton added: "The feedback from the public was particularly encouraging, with several people commenting on the police activity - especially when officers were seen removing alcohol from youngsters."