Drug dog visits college to crack down on vapes

Devon and Cornwall Police said the children at the college responded well to seeing the sniffer dog in action

A police sniffer dog has visited a college in Plymouth in a bid to deter young people from using drugs.

Devon and Cornwall Police said there had been an increase in young people buying illegal vapes containing drugs and often using them before attending school or college.

The force said students had the chance to see the passive drugs sniffer dog in "action" and were also given information.

Officers said no illegal substances were found during the visit.

'Not worth it'

PC Sarah Millett said it was important to raise awareness with young people of the health risks of using drugs and the potential "long-term consequences it can have on their futures".

"It is against the law to possess illegal drugs, or a vape that contains drugs," she said.

"Young people found in possession of these can be arrested and receive a criminal record the impact it can have on the chances of young people getting their dream job or going to university is huge.

"Using them is just not worth it."

The passive drugs sniffer dog Skye was deployed at a college in Plymouth

Officers said they found liquid contained within some vapes was being removed and replaced with "illegal vape liquid" that could contain Class B drugs.

Insp Paul Laity said taking the dog to schools and colleges was a "great way to engage with young people".

'Respond well'

"We tend to find they respond well to seeing the dogs in action," he said.

"It shows we are taking this very seriously and are actively trying to find and seize these items."

The school visit is part of the force's proactive action to combat the use of these illegal substances, which also includes an operation alongside Trading Standards to target shops selling vapes to people under the age of 18.