A police video warning heroin dealers in Florida to "run" has gone viral after the officers' decision to wear balaclavas was mocked on social media.

In the footage, Sheriff Peyton C Grinnell fronts an appeal to Lake County residents urging them to report dealers, flanked by four masked officers.

The video, posted on Facebook, has been viewed more than 500,000 times.

Sheriff Grinnell warns: "To the dealers that are pushing this poison, I have a message for you: We're coming for you.

"Our undercover agents have already bought heroin from many of you, we are simply awaiting the arrest warrants to be finalised.


"'Enjoy looking over your shoulder constantly wondering if today's the day we come for you.

"Enjoy trying to sleep tonight, wondering if tonight's the night our SWAT team blows your front door off the hinges.

"If our agents can show the nexus between you the pusher of poison and the person that overdoses and dies, we will charge you with murder. We are coming for you, run."

The video has received a mixed reaction with some describing it as the "stupidest thing I've ever seen" and branding the officers "wannabe John Waynes".

Some have backed the tough message, while others have expressed concern over the militarisation of police in the US.

One Facebook user compared the video to a TV mockumentary-style parody of law enforcement, joking: "The 'Reno 911' walk off at the end."

The officers' masked appearance also drew comparisons with Islamic State, with another user commenting: "When you're tryin' to ninja and you wind up as ISIS...."

Another user branded the officers a "bunch of monkeys with badges", adding: "Your police state is not the right way."

Another wrote: "Nice look boys. If you need to conceal identities, don't put them on Facebook looking like terrorists. This whole video just screams 'welcome to Trumpistan'.

"You can be firm and determined without going over the top and dressing like ISIS. You might also want to hire someone to spell-check your videos."

However, some applauded a "good job" by the Lake County Sheriff's Office, with one user adding: "Poison pushers be gone!"