Special Constables and drugs dog join the police team to sniff out potential trouble at pubs

Police in Paignton ran a Pubs Against Drugs (PAD) operation recently and deemed it a big success.    

The operation involved officers visiting eight pubs in the town and carrying out multiple positive searches. Some quantities of both Class A and Class B drugs were found and police also arrested two men - one who was wanted on warrant and another who police were looking for in relation to domestic violence offences.

Police drugs dog Jasper joined the licensed premises operation on Friday 9 January, along with support from various South Devon and Force police teams - as well as Specials who are volunteers and give up their time for free.  

Paignton Inspector Pete Giesens, who heads up the local Neighbourhood Police Team, said: “I am very pleased with the results of this Pubs Against Drugs operation and the officers worked hard to do a thorough job while engaging with licensees and bar staff, as well as door security officers. We would like to thank all licensees and pub staff for their co-operation on the night.

“We will continue to tackle drug dealing in our community and want to reassure the public that we take this issue very seriously and will be running future operations of this type.”

Inspector Giesens added: “Operations of this type are resource intensive and we absolutely couldn’t have done it without the help of our colleagues from the Special Constabulary, three of whom are very new to the organisation. They took to the operation with massive enthusiasm and they really were exceptional and worthy of recognition.”  

Alison Hernandez, Police & Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, joined officers in Paignton on the Friday night. She praised and thanked the efforts of the “professional and courteous” officers who achieved “great” results.  

She said: “It was encouraging to see there was little sign of drug use at many of the licensed premises we visited, and it was heartwarming to see people out enjoying themselves and keeping our pubs afloat.  

“I extend my thanks to the licensees for keeping their pubs safe and well done to the policing team and police drugs dog Jasper who came out to help on a freezing cold night.  

“Tackling drugs remains one of key priorities because residents tell me they want it pushed out of their communities and operations such as Pubs Against Drugs show it will not be tolerated and action will be taken.” 

If you wish to report drug dealing in your community please go online or speak to your local officers.

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