Police dog helps uncover key evidence in Devon town drug probe

Police Dog Ken has played a key role in a joint investigation between neighbourhood teams in Ashburton and Brixham, after several parcels containing cannabis were intercepted over recent weeks.

Local officers say they are seeing an increase in parcels linked to cannabis supply being stopped by Border Force and delivery depots. 

One recent parcel, intercepted at a national carrier’s local depot, contained 40 packets of herbal cannabis and was addressed to a business in Brixham.

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After enquiries identified a local man connected to the delivery address, officers from both neighbourhood teams attended a property in the town, and PD Ken was brought in to carry out a search of the site. 

During the search, he found a further quantity of suspected cannabis hidden in an outbuilding.

ABOVE: The packages seized by Devon and Cornwall Police (Credit: D&C Police)

Police say the packaging is similar to that already seized, and the material awaits formal testing. 

A man from Brixham is now assisting officers with their enquiries, Ken, meanwhile, received his usual toy as a reward for the find.

Neighbourhood teams say dog-assisted searches remain an important tool in tackling drug supply in rural communities.

Neighbourhood Beat Manager PC Claire Hurrell said:

“Officers will continue to act on intelligence and deal with drug offending. Our commitment to dealing with drug crime is unwavering through firm enforcement, prevention and in partnership with our local community. 

“We continue to work with other agencies to disrupt and prevent offending and we will continue to protect the vulnerable and disrupt any criminal organisation and reduce the risks of exploitation.”

Police are asking residents to report any information about drug activity.

Details can be shared by calling 101, using the online reporting system, or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.