Police target drug use in Durham (From The Advertiser Series)

Police target drug use in city centre

4:51pm Sunday 10th March 2013 in News By Gavin Havery, Reporter (Derwentside & Tyneside)

FIVE men were arrested for the possession of class A drugs during a police operation in the North-East over the weekend.

Officers were out in Durham city centre from 9pm until midnight on Friday with a force sniffer dog, a black Labrador named Annie.

One man was also given an official warning for the possession of cannabis.

Police believe the class A drug seized was cocaine.

All men, aged 22-32, have been given police cautions a part of Operation Emu.

PC Darrel Brown said: “The operation showed Durham Constabulary’s commitment to keeping on top of drug use and abuse.

“We engaged and interacted with the public on this operation.

“Members of the public expressed an interest in the police dog and were genuinely interested in the operation taking place. On previous similar operations the public have openly supported our activities and have been pleased with our efforts.”

Police will continue work with door staff, venue operators and other staff within the city’s bars and clubs on forthcoming operations in the coming weeks.