A total of ten licensed premises in Stratford were visited by police officers on Wednesday evening (Wednesday 17 January) as part of a crack down on the misuse of drugs.

Police officers from the Stratford Urban Safer Neighbourhoods Team together with Police Specials and PCSOs joined with the Warwickshire Police passive drugs dog and his handler in the three hour operation in the town.

Safer Neighbourhoods Sergeant Lucy Sewell who co-ordinated the operation said a total of 18 people were searched during the evening, with one person, an 18 year old male from Stratford being found in possession of a quantity of cannabis. He received a formal street caution.

Speaking about the operation Sgt Sewell said, "People have got to realise that illegal drug taking will not be tollerated and we take robust action against anyone found using or in possession of illegal substances. The licensees of all the premises we visited all supported us in our actions, with members of the public also welcoming what we were doing.

"This was the first operation against illegal drugs in Stratford this year, and we have others planned."

All the public houses in Stratford visited during the operation on Wednesday are members of Bardwatch, the Stratford association of licensed premises.

The licensed premises visited during the operation on Wednesday night included:

Cox's Yard, Encore, Odd Fellow Arms. Yates, Cross Keys, One Elm, Shakesperience, Lamplighter and Golden Bee