Tayside Police have vowed to go after dealers and their profits

Senior drug squad officers said the force was "absolutely committed" to targeting people who distributed Class A substances in the area.

The comments come after a heroin courier, who was caught with �53,000 worth of drugs, was jailed for four-and a-half years.

William Long's sentence, given at the High Court in Edinburgh, has been welcomed by detectives on the case.

The head of Tayside Police's drugs squad said it should act as a deterrent to those involved in the distribution of drugs.

Drugs offences

Det Insp Iain Wales said: "This case sends out a clear message that we will not tolerate the distribution of controlled drugs within Tayside.

"The targeting of individuals who deal in Class A drugs is a priority for Tayside Police.

"I can assure those who attempt to bring this drug into the region that we are absolutely committed to tackle this issue head on."

DI Wales said a number of criminals arrested by Tayside Police had been jailed this month for drugs offences.

He added that the force was also in the process of trying to seize dealers' cash, properties and cars which they had bought with their crime profits.

He also urged the public to come forward with information about drug dealing activities in their area.

DI Wales said: "We cannot win the war on drugs alone. We need the help of the communities that we strive to serve.

"If you have any information whatsoever about drugs I would urge you to pass it on in complete confidence."