Well over 600 drug users and dealers have been caught in Perth and Kinross over the last three years, a Courier probe has found.
Startling statistics obtained using freedom of information legislation reveal 500 convictions for those caught in possession of potentially deadly drugs, including heroin, cocaine and amphetamine.
Dealers appearing at Perth Sheriff Court have also felt the full force of the law, with 170 people being convicted for their role in the peddling of illicit substances.
Perth MSP Roseanna Cunningham said last night the figures uncovered by The Courier underlined the seriousness of the problem in Tayside.
However, she praised police for bringing so many cases against those involved in what she called a “vile” trade.
Meanwhile, Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser branded the figures “worrying” and spoke of the “huge burden” placed on the public purse by drug users and their dealers.
In one of the latest cases to come before Perth Sheriff Court, a Liverpool man was jailed for three years and four months after being caught attempting to smuggle more than £5500 worth of heroin into Tayside.
He was eventually caught after his van was stopped on the A9 near Perth.
Ms Cunningham commended Tayside Police chiefs for their determination to tackle the drugs menace.
“The figures obtained by The Courier underline how serious the problem of drugs is in Tayside.Vile”However, they also highlight the excellent work that our police are doing in tracking down those responsible for this vile trade,” she said.
“The connection between illegal drug use and other criminal behaviour is extremely well documented.
“As such it is extremely important that local police continue their good work.”
Meanwhile, Mr Fraser condemned the dealers responsible for bringing so much misery to the streets of Perth and Kinross.
He said, “Dealers target vulnerable people, whether they are addicts or people who have never tried drugs before.
“The local community must come out and help the police wherever possible-they must let dealers know they’re not welcome.”