Christmas and New Year clampdown on drugs
A specialist team of super noses joined
officers on patrol in Harlow, Friday evening (December 18) in a bid
to combat drug abuse among late-night revellers in the lead up to
Christmas and the New Year.
Codenamed Operation Napalm, officers from the
Safer Harlow Partnership, which includes Harlow
Council, police, and specialist sniffer dogs that can
sniff out 12 different substances including cocaine, heroin and
cannabis, search licensed premises throughout the year to search
for any illegal substances.
On Friday, four pubs and one nightclub were
visited and as a result seven arrests were made, two cautions given
and there were numerous seizures of discarded substances.
Councillor Nick Churchill, Chairman of Harlow
Council’s Licensing Committee, said: “This is a regular exercise we
carry out with the co-operation of local premises. Together we want
to cut down drug misuse in the town and this exercise is helping to
do just that. The timing of this action is to give people a safe
and enjoyable time whilst out celebrating the lead up to Christmas
and the New Year. Drugs are not welcome in Harlow at anytime and
this action sends out a strong warning to those who are thinking
about bringing drugs with them on a night out in Harlow.”
Police licensing officer Jenny McCallum said:
“This on-going operation has one key aim; to keep people
safe. I would like to thank all the partners for their
continued efforts to achieve this aim.
Harlow Inspector Tom Mitchell said: "I would
like to thank the management and staff of the clubs and pubs for
once again welcoming the dogs onto their premises and supporting
our efforts to deter drug misuse in and around licensed
premises.
"The dogs worked well and enjoyed the friendly
attention by the customers.”
Ends