TAYSIDE POLICE assistant chief constable Clive Murray yesterday defended the undercover tactics used during Operation Waterloo.

He was speaking in response to Sheriff Alistair Duff’s public questioning on Tuesday of the value of police activities in detecting a heroin dealer during Waterloo.

The operation, in the Hilltown and Stobswell areas of Dundee, has resulted in 39 arrests of people suspected of being involved in the heroin trade.

The first user captured was sentenced to probation on Tuesday, but not before Sheriff Duff said he wondered if the use of undercover officers in the case “gives value for money”.

Mr Murray said, “With regard to drug enforcement, action against the use and dealing of heroin in our communities remains Tayside Police’s number one priority.

“The public should be reassured that officers will continue to use all legitimate means, including the very cost effective and successful tactics—which to date have led to 39 arrests—that have been used during Operation Waterloo.

“We will continue to target and detect those who choose to become involved with this highly addictive illegal drug.

“The human cost can be devastating.

“It brings misery to communities and tragically we too frequently see people die as a result of what is often downplayed as casual street dealing.”

The case which prompted the exchange involved 25-year-old Dean David Johnston, who had admitted being concerned in the supply of heroin in Hilltown on June 17.

He was arrested after passing a bag of heroin to two undercover female officers disguised as heroin addicts.

One of them pretended to be suffering from the effects of withdrawal.

Solicitor George Donnelly told the court his heroin addict client gave assistance to an undercover officer whose acting talents were so good he took her for a genuine addict.

Mr Murray said police activity can, and does, provide users with the opportunity to find a route to recovery.

“At the same time it presents heroin dealers, irrespective of scale, with the distinct prospect of being caught and brought before the court for appropriate sentencing,” he said.