A STREAM of targeted police resources is being funnelled into Inverclyde as the local force ramps up its war on local drug dealers.

Area commander Paul Cameron revealed to the Tele that he was able to call on specialist units from across the central belt to assist local officers with the raids which were carried out at four properties in Greenock on Thursday.

Four men and two women were detained following the swoop, with a quantity of substances - which have been to laboratories for forensic analysis - seized.

The senior officer says almost £2 million of drugs have been taken off local streets since he came into post last November.

Seizures include a £1m cannabis haul in Port Glasgow, a £250,000 find within industrial units in Greenock and a raid on an address in Redpoll Place which recovered 170,000 Etizolam pills with an estimated street value of £90,000.

Chief Inspector Cameron says the latest warrant searches are a clear message to those involved in peddling drugs in Inverclyde.

He said: "When I arrived here, I made it clear that drug dealing would never be tolerated and that those responsible would be caught and arrested.

"I have stayed true to that promise, and whilst we have achieved great results so far, there is still more to be done. I will remain relentless in this task.

"Our officers will continue to target those spreading misery across this area and ruining lives through this heinous trade.

"As Inverclyde's area commander I can call upon specialist resources as and when I need them.

"For this latest operation I was supported by the divisional alcohol and violence reduction unit, national public order officers and the team from the force reserve unit.

"All of these additional officers were brought to Inverclyde to assist in carrying out our drug searches under warrant conditions.

"The support and commitment I receive from Police Scotland is outstanding.

"If I can prove that the work we are doing here is making a real difference, we will continue to be able to target specialist officers into operations like the one on Thursday."

Ch Insp Cameron says the latest swoops were led by local community officers acting on information from members of the public.

He added: "We are receiving more and more tip-offs from people and we want them to see that when they tell us something, we will take it seriously, investigate it and act where required in a forceful and direct way.

"We have made great strides in the last 12 months, but we will not stop here. I am sending the message to any person dealing illegal drugs in Inverclyde to stop now as you will be caught and arrested.

"I would also appeal to our communities to let us know if you have any concerns about drug dealing.

"Raise these either anonymously or via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or 101.

"Inverclyde is a safe place to live, work, visit or socialise within and together we can get rid of illegal drug dealing and make it even safer."