Police dog sniffs out cocaine and cannabis during proactive street operation

A police sniffer dog has found cocaine and cannabis on a number of people during a street operation across Stoke-on-Trent.

On Friday (6 December), Police Dog (PD) Buddy, from the West Midlands Police Dog Unit, was out with local officers in the city sniffing out people who were in possession of illegal drugs.

PD Buddy gave indications for five different people on the night, leading to the discovery of cocaine and cannabis.

A total of 12 people were searched across Hanley, Smallthorne, Burslem and Stoke. One man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a controlled class A drug and others issued with community resolutions and referrals to support services.

PD Buddy also visited a number of bars and clubs with local officers as part of the operation. Issues including underage entry, inaccessible fire escapes and drug use in toilets are being looked into by our licensing team.

The efforts form part of our city-wide Making Great Places initiative, where local officers are continuing to work with local partners to tackle crime and make Stoke-on-Trent a cleaner, safer and better place for residents and businesses.

Sergeant Chris Gifford, from Stoke North local policing team (LPT), said: “We’re continuing to work closely with venue holders and local partners to address drug use across the city and to deal with those responsible as effectively as possible.

“Illegal drugs will never be welcome in Staffordshire and we’re determined to do everything we can alongside partners to stop those supplying them and to help those who are addicted to seek the right support to stop.”

Deputy Staffordshire Police, Fire & Rescue and Crime Commissioner, Dave Evans, also went out with local teams and PD Buddy on the operation. He said: “It was great to join the team on Friday night and gain an insight into the activity going on across Stoke-on-Trent as part of the Making Great Places initiative.

“Drug-related crime is a top priority for the public, as well as for myself and the Commissioner, so I’m pleased to see the police working with partners and neighbouring forces to tackle this.”