Drugs dogs search punters in pubs in Oundle and Kings Cliffe
Drugs dogs have been deployed by police and licensing officers in a bid to tackle the misuse of illegal substances in pubs in Oundle and surrounding areas
Officers were accompanied by drugs dog Willow and handler Paul Mitchinson from Alpha K9 Ltd during the operation.
A total of twelve premises were visited in Barnwell, Polebrook, Ashton, Warmington, Kings Cliffe, Fotheringhay, Oundle, Thrapston and Raunds.
A number of individuals were searched following indications from the drugs dog. Four possession offences were identified, including offences involving cocaine, cannabis and ketamine.
Officers also recovered a quantity of suspected cocaine which had been discarded on the floor of one premises, along with suspected cannabis found inside an abandoned handbag.
East Northants Neighbourhood Team Sergeant, Leigh Goodwin, said: "Operations such as this are an important part of our work to tackle drug misuse and ensure licensed premises remain safe environments for the people who use them.
"Working alongside our partners at North Northamptonshire Council and our specialist dog handlers allows us to proactively identify offences, engage with premises staff and send a clear message that drug misuse will not be tolerated.”
Cllr Kirk Harrison, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Regulatory Services, said: “Drug misuse can have a significant impact on people, businesses and local communities, and proactive operations such as this help to deter illegal activity, provide reassurance to the public and ensure our licensed premises remain safe and welcoming places for everyone. We will continue to support initiatives that help make North Northamptonshire a safer place to live, work and visit."