Jack McConnell has vowed to crack down on those who peddle hard drugs on Scotland's streets.

Addressing the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland drugs conference, he also pledged more government assistance to help addicts kick the habit.

"There are few areas in Scotland – urban or rural, affluent or deprived – that are not touched by the menace of drugs.  I believe that we can beat this menace, but only if we adopt strategies that take action across a range of fronts," he said.

"We must take action on the demand as well as the supply. We must concentrate our efforts on treatment as well as enforcement.

"The work that you and your colleagues are carrying out across the country is already making a difference.

"Your efforts are hitting the dealers where it hurts them the most. In their pockets." 

And he vowed to ensure there is no "let up" on the individuals and gangs "who prosper from the drugs trade".

The first minister went on to set out his determination to make sure that criminals' assets continued to be seized using powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

"But there is another side to our strategy.  We have to cut the demand for drugs as well as suffocating the supply. To do this we have to get people off drugs. We have to make sure that every Scot who wants help to kick the habit has the opportunity to do so," said McConnell.

"I have seen for myself the desperate need for proper rehabilitation services. We have to make sure that we put an end to patchy services and long waits for treatment.

"We cannot be satisfied until there are adequate treatment and rehabilitation services in all areas of the country – for everyone who needs them."