Superintendent Ian Arnott, Northern Constabulary's area commander for Caithness and Sutherland, said the prison term – the longest handed out at Wick Sheriff Court – was "substantial" and sent out "a strong message" to those dealing in illegal drugs. He said the police would take "robust action" to catch dealers and explained that a number of enquiries are currently being undertaken and could lead to prosecution.

But Wick-based Supt Arnott stressed that members of the public have a role to play as well in helping officers to combat the problem. "We need the community to assist us and would welcome any information about drug-related activity in Caithness and Sutherland," he said.

A similar view was expressed by another local officer, Detective Sergeant Steve MacDonald, who pointed out that the Harper case was regarded as a major success for the area's Operation Joker which was set up to focus on the supply and misuse of heroin in the northern counties.

"It is a strategic priority in Caithness and Sutherland to target those involved in the supply and distribution of controlled drugs," DS MacDonald said. "Our proactive approach to dealing with drug suppliers like George Harper has been achieved with significant assistance from members of the community who have demonstrated that they will not tolerate or be intimidated by those intent on profiting from the many young lives affected by heroin abuse.

"It is evident from Operation Joker's outcome, and other recent seizures in the Northern Constabulary area, the successes we can have when intelligence-led policing is utilised."

Harper (25), of Quayside Court, Thornbush Road, Inverness, was jailed on Friday when he appeared for sentence at Wick Sheriff Court. He had previously admitted being concerned in the supply of the class "A" drug diamorphine – the technical name for heroin – at his former home in Nicolson Street, Wick, and at various locations within Caithness, Ross-shire and Inverness-shire between May 20, 2006, and May 23 last year.

The court heard that Harper was involved in the cutting up, weighing and packaging of heroin before selling it in "tenner bag" deals from the back door or window of his Wick home.

Harper, who sourced the drug from Inverness and Invergordon, has 24 previous convictions, including a number for possession of controlled drugs.

Solicitor Craig Wood had previously told the court his client had not profited from the enterprise but had sold the drug to seven of his friends and used the money to fund his own drug habit – between £70 and £100 a day.

The agent said that Harper, who appeared on indictment, had been a user of heroin for 10 years and had started taking the drug intravenously in May 2006. Mr Wood claimed the accused had begun to address his addiction and was now willing to make a useful contribution to society.

Passing sentence, Sheriff Andrew Berry told Harper: "You were behind what has been described as a well-organised and large-scale drugs operation which was responsible for an increase in heroin use in Caithness. Over the course of a year you sold over £7000 worth of the drug and on three occasions induced or persuaded a heroin user to accompany you to Invergordon or Inverness."

The sheriff said it was clear the accused had run "a significant operation" and stressed that the rise in the use of heroin in Caithness as a result of Harper's activities could not be "overstated or overemphasised".

Sheriff Berry said he had considered very carefully whether he should send Harper to the High Court for a longer sentence but had decided against that option. "You are extremely fortunate in that regard," he said.

The sheriff noted that Harper had pleaded guilty at an early stage and pointed out that this would have entitled him to a discount, but he reduced it as the accused had failed to co-operate with social workers in the preparation of a report requested by the court.

Sheriff Berry jailed Harper for five years. Three female family members wept as sentence was passed.

g.calder@nosn.co.uk

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