A SNIFFER dog was used during a Cumbria Police crackdown on drug use in Kirkby Lonsdale, Grange and Cark.

Seven officers, two dog handlers and Jet the black Labrador visited pubs in the towns during the operation on Saturday night to identify people carrying controlled substances.

Anyone picked out by Jet was asked to step outside and searched by an officer.

Police seized amphetamines and arrested and cautioned a 45-year-old from Carnforth on suspicion of possessing a controlled substance.

Officers prioritised drug searches following tip-offs from members of the public.

Kendal rural sergeant Steve Christy said: “Kirkby Lonsdale, Cark-in-Cartmel and Grange do not suffer from the ill-effects of the misuse of drugs like larger, metropolitan areas. However, the local community has provided us with intelligence that suggests that drug use does go on and we want to ensure the individuals concerned understand.”

Sgt Christy warned that searches would continue.

“Initiatives like this will continue to get a clearer picture of drug use in South Cumbria,” he said.

“Using Jet during the operation helped to raise awareness of the techniques officers use to rid our streets of drugs and supports the pledge we made to local residents that we will address the issues that matter most to them.”