By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
POLICE will use the Dog Squad when they undertake a routine weapons and drugs search at Dandenong train station tonight, Friday.
Cops will be highly visible at the station where walk-through metal detectors will be used, as well as hand-held wands, to conduct random weapons and drug searches as part of Operation Protect.
Dandenong station has been declared a designated area for a weapons search under the Control of Weapons Act.
Transit Safety Division and local police will also be joined by members from the Dog Squad who will patrol the area with Passive Alert Detector (PAD) dogs to stop anyone carrying illicit drugs.
“Knives are a weapon of offence, not defence – fines of $1000 apply to anyone caught carrying a prohibited weapon in a public place,” Transit Safety Division Inspector Graham Higginbotham said.
“Like weapons, there is absolutely no place on the public transport system for drugs – their use, transportation or distribution.
“We will be using PAD dogs to identify the presence of drugs in luggage or on commuters leaving trains and coaches so if you’re carrying something you shouldn’t be, we will catch you.
“Removing weapons and drugs from the public transport system is something we work very hard on to ensure we have a system where people are safe and feel safe at all times of day and night.”
