POLICE dogs have been visiting East Lancashire’s pubs and sniffing out drugs in a clamp-down on unwanted behaviour.

Over the weekend, two drug dogs were taken to pubs in and around Darwen with the aim of finding drug users.

Operation Pilton took place as part of an ongoing clamp-down on drug use and dealing, drink spiking, violent crime and underaged drinking at licensed venues.  

In part the work has been able to take place thanks to funding from Blackburn with Darwen Council and with assistance from Task Force officers and the special constabulary.

A police spokesman said: “Over the night, cocaine and cannabis was recovered from a number of individuals, who have been interviewed and will be receiving punishments.

“The vast majority of licensees and members of the public were fully on board and happy to see positive action taking place.

“More of these operations are in the pipeline in Darwen and other East Lancs towns as we try and keep the night-time economy safe.”