SNIFFER DOGS TO JOIN CHRISTMAS POLICE PATROLS IN HULL CITY CENTRE

SNIFFER dogs will be used to catch revellers carrying drugs on
Christmas nights out in Hull.

It comes after officers revealed 53 per cent of people brought into
police custody for carrying out violent crimes tested positive for
cocaine or opiates this year.

That figure has risen to 73 per cent this month after festivities got
under way.

Now Humberside Police has launched Operation Trafford to try to catch
people with drugs before they become violent.

For the next six months, the force will be carrying out random checks
using specially trained dogs.

Sergeant Ian Goode, of Hull's violent crime and public order team,
said: "The object of the operation is to send out a message to people
connected with the supply and use of controlled substances that they
are not welcome in the city centre.

"Secondly, we are working with partner agencies to educate and divert
those people dealt with for drug use away from the harms caused by
recreational use.

"I hope the operation will lead to a safer, more enjoyable night out
for the large number of people frequenting the city centre for a night
out.

"The operation should send out a message that drugs will not be
tolerated in licensed premises and those who ignore this warning will
be identified and dealt with appropriately."

The operation got under way recently, with officers using their powers
under Section 23 of the Misuse Of Drugs Act to search people.

On one night, four people were arrested and bailed for offences
related to the supply and possession of controlled drugs and two
people were arrested and handed warnings in relation to the possession
of cannabis.

Sgt Ian Goode said: "The operation was a great success and the
response from the public and licensed premises was extremely positive.

"People want a safer and more enjoyable environment and this operation
and others by police and our partners are making this happen."