CANINE CUNNING HELPS DRUGS FIGHT

THE latest weapon being deployed by Customs in the fight against illegal
drugs is a dog with a nose for money.

Bodie, a springer spaniel trained to detect currency being smuggled out of
Britain for the purchase of drugs, has been checking the bags of passengers
flying out from Heathrow, along with a canine colleague. The year-long
trial began in May, and seems to be working. In the past three months the
dogs have uncovered more than pounds 1 million of illegitimate cash.

Richard Attwood, Bodie's handler, said: "Bodie found about pounds 1/2
million in sterling and American dollars in one bag that had been checked
in for a flight."

Bodie, who recognises all major currencies, demonstrated his skills in
front of Keith Hellawell, the Anti-Drugs Co-ordinator, yesterday. Mr
Hellawell carried a holdall containing bundles of cash through the baggage
hall of Terminal Two and put it among other bags at a luggage carousel.
Bodie pounced within seconds.

Mr Hellawell said that the development had great potential. He said: "This
is a means of stopping drugs from coming into the country. People are in
this trade for money. They don't care about your daughter overdosing and
dying, they only care about money. We are going for them, we are going for
the drugs, we're going for the money."