Specialist dogs sniff out drug offenders in partnership operation

27 October 2009

A specialist team of super noses joined officers on patrol in Harlow, Friday evening (October 23) in a bid to combat drug abuse among late-night revellers.
 
Codenamed Operation Napalm, officers from the Safer Harlow Partnership, which includes Harlow Council, and specialist sniffer dogs; that can sniff out 12 different substances including cocaine, heroin and cannabis, search licensed premises throughout the year to search for any illegal substances.
 
Councillor Nick Churchill, Chairman of Harlow Council’s Licensing Committee, said: “This is a regular exercise we carry out with the co-operation of local premises. Together we want to cut down drug misuse in the town and this exercise is helping to do just that. This latest action will send out a strong warning to those who are thinking about bringing drugs with them on a night out in Harlow.”
 
Police licensing officer Jenny McCallum said: “This is a joint partnership operation involving not only police and council but also all members of our pubwatch scheme who kindly give us full permission to enter their licensed premises with the dogs in a bid to deter drugs.”
 
On the evening, eight pubs were visited; 16 people were searched, three people were given street cautions for possessing cannabis, two people were arrested for possession of a class A drug and 11 discarded wraps were seized.
 
Harlow Inspector Tom Mitchell said: "I would like to thank the management and staff of the clubs and pubs for once again welcoming the dogs onto their premises and supporting our efforts to deter drug misuse in and around licensed premises.
 
"The dogs worked well and enjoyed the friendly attention by the customers.”