Sniffer dog detects Class A drugs at Torquay train station

A sniffer dog has patrolled Torquay’s train station to target individuals using the rail network to transport drugs.

Polly, a passive sniffer dog, worked alongside British Transport Police (BTP) to detect illegal substances and deter criminals from bringing drugs into the town.

She was joined by high-visibility and plain clothes officers from Devon and Cornwall Police at key exits and entrances of the station.

Chief Inspector Miranda Pusey said: “This proactive work forms part of our ongoing efforts to pursue individuals involved in the movement of drugs and to deter criminals from bringing drugs into our towns.”

During the operation, officers conducted a number of stop searches following positive indications from Polly.

This resulted in the seizure of Class A and B drugs, including six grams of MDMA (ecstasy), five grams of cannabis, and one gram of ketamine.

Drug paraphernalia was also seized, and investigations are currently ongoing.

Inspector Pusey added: “It’s positive that the team was able to remove illegal drugs from the streets. Deployments are usually time-limited, as we know that word about our activity can get around very quickly, but what we were able to achieve on this day was a success.

“These types of operations alongside BTP will continue across the year in South Devon. We will continue to send a strong message that our towns will be a difficult place for criminals to operate and deal drugs in.

“I’d also like to encourage the public to report crime to us. If you see something that doesn’t look right, please report it to us. If we don’t know what you’re seeing, we can’t do anything about it. Together, we can make our communities safer for all.”

Detective Inspector Ian Henderson, who works for BTP, said: “Our expert taskforce works with police forces across the country to dismantle and disrupt county lines activity.

“By pooling our crime-fighting resources we increase the chances of intercepting those who use the railway to transport drugs, arrest those involved and safeguard the vulnerable who are exploited by county lines gangs.

“Working together we continue to make substantial progress in halting the activity of these criminal gangs before the drugs they transport have a chance to enter communities and destroy more lives.”

County lines is the name given to drug dealing where organised criminal groups (OCGs) use phone lines to move and supply drugs, usually from cities into smaller towns and rural areas. One of ways drugs can be transported in and out of cities is via railways.

Criminals exploit vulnerable people, including children and those with mental health or addiction issues, by recruiting them to distribute the drugs.

This is often referred to as ‘drug running’. Criminals may also use a vulnerable person’s home as their base of operations. This is known as ‘cuckooing’.

For more information about county lines, cuckooing, and the signs to look out for, visit the Devon & Cornwall Police website.

To report a crime or share information, call 101 or visit the Devon & Cornwall Police online reporting page.

The British Transport Police (BTP) oversees railway safety across the UK. Learn more about their role and efforts to keep the railways secure by visiting their website.