Passive drug dogs sniff out festive troublemakers in Barrow

Passive drugs dogs are helping officers to police the streets of Barrow in the lead up to Christmas as part of a policing operation to stamp out the use of illegal substances.

As well as using passive drugs dogs on the streets of Barrow, over the past two weekends the Barrow Community Policing team have conducted five search warrants after receiving information about the use of drugs during the local night time economy. So far, these have been carried out on Devon Street, Gloucester Street, Maple Street and Albert Street.

So far, six people have been arrested and are currently on bail as a result of these warrants.

Barrow Neighbourhood Policing team have also joined forces with dog handlers and their passive drug dogs who have helped to sniff out any illegal substances on revellers who are enjoying Barrow’s nightlife.

Passive drug detection dogs are specially trained to patrol crowded areas quietly indicating when they detect the scent of illegal drugs on a person. This indication then gives the police the ability to search individuals and take action if drugs are located.

Inspector David Bosson said: “So far, this operation has been well received and supported by the licensees in Barrow who are, like us, determined to eradicate drugs in their premises and help ensure Barrow remains a safe pace to enjoy a night out.

“In fact, we often get called by trained doorstaff who have been alerted to somebody who is suspected to be in possession of illegal substances. This demonstrates excellent partnership working and we then dispatch officers to attend, and arrest and prosecute anyone who is found to be in possession of drugs.

“Apart from being illegal, if you take drugs you seriously risk your health and you essentially gamble with your life. Taking drugs often leads people into a life of violent crime and people can find that they lose everything – their jobs, family and friends.

“Drugs can destroy communities so we will continue to carry out more proactive drug operations to positively tackle anyone who is found to be in possession of drugs.”