Dogs sniff out drugs

By Shaun Inguanzo
VICTORIA Police used dogs to sniff out illicit drugs on shoppers at Dandenong Plaza last week.
Senior Constable Amanda Hardy said two dog handlers from the Dog Squad, and nine uniformed police officers were in Dandenong Plaza on Thursday, 24 November as part of Operation Scour.
According to Sen Constable Hardy, the team of dogs and officers sniffed out several drug carriers, and issued warnings to first-time offenders.
“There were minimal arrests, mainly cautions issued,” she said.
“When people are found with small quantities of drugs they can be eligible for our drug caution program, that is for a first time offence.”
Dandenong Plaza centre manager Lisa Fleming said the plaza often worked with police and that such operations were routine.
“The routine operation was conducted across the entire Dandenong CBD including all public places,” she said.
“Dandenong Plaza, as are a number of other building owners, is working with the Victorian Police to support the community initiative of the drug dog program to assist in deterring crime and to protect the local community.”