Dog sniffs out pub drug users

Last updated 19:41, Thursday, 20 March 2008

A DOG has been sniffing out pub-goers with illegal drugs in Workington.

The sniffer hound has been helping to track down people involved in the town’s night-time drugs scene.

Officers summoned four-legged support as part of Operation Kent, launched because of community fears about drugs and which has already led to 40 arrests for the possession or supply of drugs.

If the dog, accompanied by a handler wearing a headcam which records footage that can be used as evidence, picks out someone as they pass by, they are searched by an officer.

Police in Workington used the dog on February 31 then in March. Its intervention has led to more than 30 people being searched and six arrested for the possession of cannabis and cocaine.

Acting Superintendent Gary Slater said: “This operation shows our determination to track down and deal with those people involved in the misuse of drugs on our streets.”