Police sniffer dogs search pubs and clubs for drugs

Humberside Police will use sniffer dogs to detect drugs in pubs and clubs during the Christmas period.

In this initiative, named Operation Yuletide, Humberside Police has already visited 21 pubs across their policing region. This includes visits to Beverley, Brigg, Hedon, Hornsea, and Scunthorpe. The Scunthorpe visit resulted in the detection of two, small discarded bags, which were believed to have held drugs. The sniffer dog operation follows on the heels of the police replacing thousands of glasses in pubs with ones made of polycarbonate.

The sniffer dogs will work with their handlers, in collaboration with the Public Order Team, in the Grimsby area. Random illegal substance searches will be carried out in licensed premises. The dogs are trained to sniff their way around premises and make indications to their handlers if they pick up the scent of drugs. Officers are then allowed to search persons under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The Community Safety Unit’s Sergeant, Ian Goode, said of Operation Yuletide “The objective of the operation is to deter and disrupt people supplying and using drugs in these premises. The mix of drugs and alcohol can lead to violent crime and by taking action over the busy festive period, we are aiming to create a safer, more enjoyable night out for everyone. In the past, word of our visits have spread to other pubs – which were not being visited – leading to drugs being dumped by offenders.”