POLICE Dog Pablo joined Neighbourhood Police Team officers in Harlow as they carried out patrols and licence checks in the town.

With a targeted focus on tackling drug offences, the team were visiting pubs, other licensed premises and their surrounding areas.

Harlow’s Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector Leanne Archer said: “We understand the impact drugs can have on the local community, and we are committed to tackling this type of offending in the town.

“Drug use is not a victimless crime and drug-related crime has a devastating impact on victims, families and the wider community.

“On Saturday evening we completed nine licence checks, with evidence of drugs use found in numerous locations. This is concerning to us and we will continue monitoring and talking to licensees to ensure, together, we are doing everything we can to eradicate any drug dealing and taking.”

The officers found one wrap and a deal bag in a car park, some class A drugs on a ledge in another pub’s toilet and a wrap of cocaine found in a third pub’s restroom.

During the day’s activities the officers also conducted a number of stop and searches, speaking to some people about drugs possession and issuing community resolutions in a couple of cases.

The evening’s activity also included some vital intelligence gathering, enabling us to target specific areas for further investigation.

“Having the support of the dog unit on the day really gave us the lead on some potential criminal activity,” added Insp Archer.

“Working alongside our four-legged colleagues gives us an investigative edge.”