UK: Sniffer dogs become pub regulars – October 2002 Sniffer dogs become pub regulars
By BBC News - Wednesday, 18 September, 2002
Copyright: BBC News
Hundreds of pub landlords in east Devon are allowing police sniffer dogs to search for drugs on their premises.
It is hoped the unannounced visits will severely disrupt the drugs trade.
The Pubs Against Drugs scheme (Pad) has been overwhelmingly supported by publicans.
The dogs, which can sniff out drugs from cannabis to cocaine, are to make regular visits to the 400 pubs taking part.
East Devon licensing officer Karen Mead said landlords were willing to take when first told about Pad.
She said: "They all replied with 100% support. They wanted to actively take part in the scheme and be included in it.
"We had one club owner who was so keen to take part in the scheme that he contacted us and asked us to visit his premises."
Police will be chiefly targeting amphetamines, ecstasy and cannabis.
But cocaine will also be on the search list.
Publicans say they do not want drugs on their premises.
Landlord Gareth Williamson said: "We don't want it.
"I don't want it. The staff don't want it. The customers don't want it.
"Leave them at home. Leave them wherever. Just don't bring them on to licensed premises."
http://news.bbc.co.uk/
UK: Electronic dog sniffs out drugs – February 2002 Electronic dog sniffs out drugs
By BBC News - Monday, 25 February, 2002
Night clubbers have been brought to face-to-face with the latest weapon in the fight against drugs - an electronic "sniffer dog".
The machine can detect the slightest trace of any chemical from Class A drugs to explosives.
Up until now, it has been used mainly by customs officers - but Bedfordshire Police are hoping it can help them crack down on drugs in the county's clubs and pubs.
The machine was taken to a nightspot in Dunstable on Saturday where it was used to check visitors.
Inspector Mark Holbourn, from Bedfordshire Police, said: "If people know that when they go out to licensed premises they could be checked for drugs, they might think twice.
One arrest
"I think it's been very successful so far."
The £28,000 machine, known as a trace detector, operates by vaporising particles taken by swab from a club-goer's hand or clothing.
It is so sensitive that it can pick up minute quantities of drugs.
If a read-out shows any suspicious substance, officers can carry out further searches or questioning.
Figures have not yet been compiled for the weekend's operation.
But at its first outing in pubs and clubs before Christmas, the detector helped secure one arrest for possession of cocaine.
Police hope it will help them spot people in possession of a range of drugs, including Ecstasy and the "date-rape" drug Rohypnol.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/
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