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Cops call out the dogs in drug war

Lee Sykes
21/12/2005

POLICE have called in the dogs in a bid to stamp out drug abuse in town centre pubs and clubs over the festive period.

Crime busters Kia and Red have already got into action, with the pair featured in an ITN investigation - aired last Friday - on the growing use of cocaine in Britain.

Alarmingly, they found traces of cocaine in eight of nine pubs tested in Oldham town centre.

The investigation went on to show that 69 per cent of places tested across Britain had traces of cocaine. These included a baby changing facility on a train, the House of Commons and even the House of Lords.

Chf Supt Caroline Ball, Divisional Commander for Oldham, said: "Christmas and New Year are traditionally the time when people let their hair down and relax at parties. Drug dealers can use this opportunity, when people have let their guard down, to introduce them to range of illegal substances.

"Kia and Red are part of the Streetsafe partnership that aims to identify and stop the use, passing and sale of illegal substances all over the borough.

"Hopefully, drug dealers and users will quickly get the message that they and their practices are not welcome here - should they choose to indulge in illegal activities they will be caught and dealt with."

Kia is an eight-year-old Spaniel whose speciality is discovering drugs hidden in properties. Her super-sensitive nose can detect a whole range of illicit drugs like heroin, amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine and ecstasy.

Her partner, Red, is a three-year-old Labrador who sniffs out users and dealers.

Dog handlers Peter and Glyn from 'K9 Response' make up the full drug-busting team that are working for Oldham-based company Crackdown, which provide drugs awareness training and canine support to a wide range of clients.

Officers from Oldham police will accompany the crime-busting foursome on their operations around the town centre.