SPECIALLY trained sniffer dogs will be used to target Neath Port Talbot clubbers suspected of carrying drugs.

Passive drugs dogs, which sit down next to a person they smell drugs on, have already been used in daytime operations in the area.

Now their skills look set to be rolled out on a regular basis in Neath and Port Talbot town centres to detect revellers suspected of carrying illegal substances.

"There are plans to make this a regular feature during police patrols during the weekend evenings," confirmed a police spokesman.

The arrival of the dogs is the latest in a series of interventions from the crime-fighting agencies working under the umbrella of the Safer Neath Port Talbot Partnership.

Community Safety Sergeant Tony Powe explained the contribution the dogs make to cleaning up the streets.

"The dogs are a great asset to the police service and the public," he said. "Not only do these help us make arrests and control disorderly crowds they also have an amazing sense of smell."

The dogs are trained to respond to the smallest amount of a particular drug and may even respond if someone has been in the presence of someone else using the drugs.

"If the dog smells drugs then it will sit down next to the person who could then be searched," said Mr Powe.

The dogs have already been used to sniff out drugs during recent daytime operations and will be used in the evenings throughout March.

Mr Powe added: "We will continue to use the dogs as often as we can.

"The use and supply of drugs will not be tolerated in Neath Port Talbot and this should be a warning to anyone thinking of bringing some substances into our pubs and clubs."

emma.denholm@swwmedia.co.uk