Calling time on drugs
From Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, Councillor Mrs Diana Holl-Allen on 01 July 2009
Police and Solihull Council licensing officers have joined forces to send pub punters a strong message – drug dealers and users WILL be caught.
They swooped on seven pubs in Chelmsley Wood on Saturday night, accompanied by drugs dog Woody.
During the visits, Woody made numerous indications on customers in the pubs, leading them to be searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Only one man was arrested and bailed on suspicion of possession of class A and B drugs – but Acting Sergeant Steve Newman said the deterrent factor meant the crackdown had not been a failure.
He said: “By showing a visible presence in licensed premises using drugs dogs, a message will be sent out to the community that we will go into any pub and take action where necessary.”
The operation was supported by licensees who say they’re taking positive steps to attract law abiding customers and clamp down on anti-social behaviour and drug use.
Regular visits will be made to provide reassurance to customers and bar staff who can find it difficult to take on people dealing drugs and are under pressure to tolerate that sort of behaviour.
Councillor Mrs Diana Holl-Allen, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, added:
"This great result shows that the police and council, working together under the Safer Solihull Partnership, are taking successful steps with licensees to rid the borough of the scourge of drugs and create safe environments within our pubs.”
If anyone has got any information about drug use / supply in the area please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
For media enquiries only, Gemma Hume on 0121 704 6444
Email: ghume@soliuhll.gov.uk