Police get tough on drugs in Wimborne

Safer neighbourhood officers, special constables and dog handlers have teamed up in an initiative called ‘DIP’ (Drugs in Pubs) to help rid Wimborne of drugs.

Pubs in Wimborne will now face random visits by police officers and sniffer dogs, including random testing using a specialised drug analyser machine.

In a one-night operation, authorised by the licensees themselves, eight officers found evidence of drug use in four premises in the town. In one, two wraps containing drug residue and white powder believed to be cocaine were discovered.

PC Andy Watkins, from Wimborne SNT, who put together the initiative said: “Unfortunately, the use of drugs, in particular cocaine, has been passing through licensed premises in Wimborne.

“We will not tolerate the use of drugs or drug dealing anywhere in Wimborne. We will be proactively searching people who choose to be involved in dealing and using drugs.

“Licensees can help deter drug users by applying oily films on toilets lids and seats, ensuring all surfaces, which are susceptible to being used for drug activity are built at an angle, and asking door staff to make random searches.”

For more information visit www.dorset.police.uk.