The first director of Scotland's new Drug Enforcement Agency has pledged to leave no hiding place for criminals.

Strathclyde assistant chief constable Jim Orr starts work in the high-profile role next week.

Mr Orr, who has been in the police for 33 years, is said to have been chosen because of his experience in fighting organised crime.

The new post carriers the rank of deputy chief constable.

Mr Orr said: "The first priority above all else is to make sure the intelligence base in Scotland is sound. That will allow us to put together a map of drug dealing.

"The second priority is to align surveillance and arrest capability to tackle drug dealers head on."

'Fits the bill'

Justice Minister Jim Wallace said: "The creation of the SDEA means drug enforcement will be co-ordinated in an unprecedented fashion, with dedicated resources and dedicated officers.

"We are looking to have the agency up and running in the summer and we will be backing it to the tune of £10m over the next two years.

"I am delighted that we have a Director of the calibre of Jim Orr.

"A post of this stature needs someone who knows Scotland's drugs problems inside out. Jim Orr fits that bill.

"Mr Orr can now begin planning the build-up of the agency and mapping out the agency's strategy and tactics."

The agency has been created to co-ordinate the work of all the organisations combating drug crime in Scotland.

Reducing supply

It was launched in December with the aim of reducing the availability of drugs in Scotland and smash organised drugs crime.

Establishing plans for the co-ordination of drug crime intelligence among police forces, the Scottish Crime Squad, Customs and other agencies will be among Mr Orr's first priorities.

He will also need to recruit 200 new drugs officers over the next three years.

During his career with Strathclyde Police, Mr Orr has worked in uniform and plain-clothes roles.

He has gained command experience in a number of key operational and specialist areas, especially as head of special branch for almost five years.

As head of CID Operations, he implemented a major restructuring of the CID at headquarters and divisions which created a significant organisational and cultural change.