Police and Sniffer Dogs Storm West Kent Pubs in Drug Crackdown
Police and sniffer dogs hit pubs across West Kent in a bold new push to wipe out drug use in licensed venues.
Six Pubs Targeted in Tonbridge & Malling and Sevenoaks
On the evening of Friday, 22 August 2025, Kent Police’s licensing team, Community Safety Unit, and canine section launched a proactive sweep of six pubs in Tonbridge & Malling and Sevenoaks.
Sniffer dogs checked key hotspots like toilets and pool tables. Officers carried out instant searches on anyone dogs signaled on.
Searches Reveal No Illegal Drugs
- Four people were searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
- Three of those searches turned up nothing.
- One individual was found with prescribed medication, not illegal substances.
Overall, the operation found no illegal drugs during the visits.
Chief Inspector Hails Operation a Success
“This kind of operation is an important opportunity to get out in the community and engage with residents, and Friday’s visits were very well received by all customers and staff,” said Chief Inspector Omid Changizi.
“Whilst officers found no drugs in their searches, this is a testament to the success of our targeted effort to keep pubs drug-free.
Furthermore, toilet swabs in two venues showed no trace of drugs, compared to positive tests previously. This is a great sign that our work in this area is paying off.”
Police Spread the Word on Pub Safety
Alongside enforcement, officers took time to inform pub staff and customers about the ongoing campaign against drug use. They aimed to reassure the community that local venues are safe and welcoming spaces.
