Jersey customs service gets new drug dog

Barley the drug dog has already been responsible for three cannabis seizures since starting in May

An 18-month-old Labrador has been helping customs officers in Jersey tackle drug smuggling.

Barley, the drug detector dog has been described as "a valuable addition" to the team by the customs service.

The dog team carries out searches on passengers and vehicles, alerting officials if they find any illegal substances.

But the Customs and Immigration Service said Barley had doubled the strength of the existing one-dog team.

Barley has already been responsible for three drug seizures in which cannabis was found since starting at the end of May.

Michael Robinson, head of customs and immigration service, said: "The [dog] section is an important element of our anti-smuggling capability and represents a significant investment in terms of money and resources which has already begun to pay dividends."

The customs service said the drugs dogs could be used at the Post Office as well as freight sheds to screen large volumes of packages at the ports.

The customs and immigration service seized £688,105 worth of drugs in 2010 and have seized £410,000 so far in 2011.

Barley and his handler had to go through a 10-week training course and be tested before they could work on the team. Both passed with distinction.