The minister met service users and co-ordinators at the Sunrise project

She visited the town's Sunrise project to see the work it does to help local people with problems get their lives back on track.

The minister said she was impressed by the way all the agencies in the region were working together.

During her visit to the town she also officially launched a handheld metal detector scheme to reduce knife crime.

Ms Jamieson said the work of Sunrise - one of a number of projects operated by Alcohol and Drugs Support South West Scotland - was vital.

What has come across very strongly here is that all the agencies are working together to tackle the problems in terms of drugs and anti-social behaviour Cathy Jamieson Justice Minister

"I think it is important to recognise where good work is being done," she said.

"People who want to come off drugs need access to treatment as quickly as possible.

"What has come across very strongly here is that all the agencies are working together to tackle the problems in terms of drugs and anti-social behaviour."

Recent figures showed there had been a three-fold increase in local drug users seeking help in the wake of a major police crackdown.

Operation Roundup saw more than 100 drug dealers removed from the streets, as well as the seizure of drugs and cash.

'Extra demand'

"I spoke to staff today about Operation Roundup and the potential workload," said Ms Jamieson.

"The staff say they want to see people coming off drugs and they are willing to deal with the extra demand.

"I will be keeping a very close eye on this particular project."

Ms Jamieson went on to Dumfries police station to officially launch the new handheld metal detectors being used in the battle against knife crime.