Sniffer Dog Commences Patrols to Detect Date-Rape Drugs

A detection dog has initiated patrols in bars to identify so-called date-rape drugs. Lottie, a pointer breed, is among the initial dogs in the UK trained to locate substances linked to spiking incidents, including GHB, Rohypnol, and ketamine. The BBC accompanied Lottie and Humberside Police during a patrol in Beverley, East Yorkshire. Sgt Ben Stanyon stated: “We do get reports of spiking and we need to make sure people aren’t being targeted.” During the patrol, an unidentified substance was discovered on the floor and, in one establishment, Lottie guided officers to an individual suspected of possessing a bag of cocaine. “It’s indicated positively on three people,” Sgt Stanyon remarked. “Drugs were located on one of them and further substances had been discarded in the premises, likely in response to the dog being there.” Lottie showed interest in another man at the bar, and although nothing was found on him, officers subsequently located a small bag of tablets abandoned nearby. Dog handler Ian Deaville mentioned that Lottie was capable of detecting a variety of substances. Training an experienced sniffer dog to find drugs associated with spiking was not difficult. “If you’ve got an existing drug dog, it’s just another odour to add on to their repertoire,” Mr Deaville explained. The proprietor of one pub expressed strong support for the initiative. Dawn Wilkinson, who operates the Windmill Inn, characterized the patrols as a “deterrent”. “I love it. I’m all for bringing the dogs in. If they stop anybody, then great,” she commented. She observed that drugs were frequently used discreetly in toilets, making them challenging to detect without assistance. “The more that we’ve got to prevent it, the better,” she added. The police force now employs several dogs, trained by East Yorkshire-based Inter K9, to detect spiking drugs, and Mr Deaville indicated that more would be introduced. With her acute sense of smell, Lottie has demonstrated effectiveness in sniffing out even trace amounts of drugs. Her nose is exceptionally sensitive, capable of locating as little as half a tablet of a substance. “If it’s there, she’ll find it,” Mr Deaville affirmed. Listeners can access highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire via BBC Sounds, view the most recent installment of Look North, or submit potential news stories for coverage. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the material on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available.