CS spray found as police raid pubs for drugs in Scunthorpe area

LANDLORDS have praised a crackdown on drugs in pubs and clubs that saw police officers conduct raids across North Lincolnshire.

Venues across Scunthorpe, Brigg and Barnetby were visited by officers from Humberside Police last weekend in an operation codenamed Ferret.

Drug raids were carried out at The Whistle and Flute in Barnetby, The Woolpack in Brigg and Scunthorpe venues The Penny Bank, Zest, The Blarney Stone, Storm, Britannia and Schnapps Bar.

A 21-year-old woman was arrested outside Zest for carrying a CS spray canister and later bailed.

Officers also discovered a bag of powder on the floor at The Whistle and Flute.

Police say the bag of powder was taken away by officers and has been destroyed as it does not form part of any investigation.

Emma Styles, owner of The Whistle and Flute, said: "I am absolutely devastated.

"We welcome the police doing these searches.

"We can't strip-search every person that uses our pub.

"I have never had reason to think this was happening.

"I would not want these people on my premises.

"I appreciate they are doing their job, but I am heartbroken."

The operation saw a total of 26 special constables work alongside police officers and a drugs dog.

Scott Slingsby, owner of The Britannia, said he welcomed the police raids.

"I am all for it and it is a good thing," he said.

"People need to know that you cannot do drugs in this venue.

"I think it is really, really good."

David Preston, manager of the Blarney Stone on Gilliatt Street, said: "I am very supportive of this.

"It is not the sort of thing you want in your place.

"Drugs have not been a problem in the premises.

"It is the best thing for the town as a whole."

Denice Blendell, owner of Zest on Mary Street, said the venue had a zero-tolerance approach to drugs.

She said: "No drugs were found on our premises.

"It is a good idea and we welcome them coming."

Humberside Police constable Simon Duffield, who was running the operation, said of the crackdown: "We have seized a small amount of drugs, including cannabis and a small bag of powder found on the floor."

Special constabulary Superintendent Mike Dyson said: "The landlords seem to applaud it.

"I think it is it the case that it was a successful operation.

"It is more about reassuring the public."

Lisa Vines, licensing officer for the south bank, added: "It is all about working with the licensing holders.

"We want to make Scunthorpe a place where people want to come.

"There are people who do spoil it for other people.

"If you have kids, you want them to be safe."