Speaking ahead of a campaign urging the public to help more in the fight against drugs, Mr Orr stressed that all levels of dealing would be targeted.

A publicity campaign is being launched

However, he added that the SDEA would try to remove illegal drugs activity from estates which had borne the brunt of the problem.

"It's critical that we tackle all types of dealers, from the 'Mr Bigs' to the really small fry.

"But communities feel the brunt of drug misuse and when I look at the number of drug deaths happening throughout Scotland, it's unacceptable.

"Middle ranking drug dealers are important in the equation. We intend to take them on in Scotland and we will do so."

Mr Orr added that the SDEA would be driving home the message that no drug dealer was untouchable.

"What we do need is time and resources. We have the resources, we just need time."

Hard information

Mr Orr said the SDEA would be launching an advertising campaign calling on the public to provide hard information to put the dealers behind bars.

And he said a pledge to add 100 officers to drug squads across Scotland would be fulfilled.

Deputy Justice Minister Angus MacKay said: "The key to successful drug enforcement is to ensure that all the agencies work together in a strategic and co-ordinated way, exchanging information and using that information to make informed decisions about who, what and where to target the considerable expertise and resources.

'Real difference'

"The SDEA will see that this happens by ensuring that systems are in place for the gathering and exchange of drugs intelligence throughout the whole of the Scottish police service."

Standing Committee of Chief Constables chairman, Mr John Orr, said: "I am in no doubt that, given time, the SDEA in working with police forces and other law enforcement partners will make a real difference in effectively tackling drug related crime at all levels."