SNIFFER dogs were sent into pubs across Southend to search for Class A drugs.

A team of 40 police officers visited the pubs on Friday night and quickly sealed off the exits and toilets.

They then sent in two “passive” drug sniffer dogs which had been brought in from Kent for Operation Farmbike.

The dogs are trained to sit at the feet of any suspect, giving officers reasonable grounds to search their pockets.

Their first visit was to the White Horse pub, in Southchurch Road, at about 7.30pm, where a package of suspect pills was found.

A 43-year-old man from Southend was arrested on suspicion of possession of drugs with intent to supply. He has been released on police bail, pending further inquiries, to January 17.

Police then visited the Exchange pub, in Southchurch Road.

Inside they found a wrap of cocaine and some pills, which had been thrown on the floor. No one was arrested as it was not possible to ascertain who owned it.

Checks were also carried out at Vie bar, in Leigh Broadway, Clouseau’s, in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, and the Sunrooms, in Market Place, Southend, but no drugs were found.

Swabs were taken in the toilets of each pub, which will be tested by Essex Police for traces of illegal substances.

The information will then be fed back to the pubs and advice given if necessary.

Sgt Danny Barnes, of south eastern division’s licensing unit, said: “It was a proactive operation focusing on drugs in licensed premises with the use of passive drugs dogs.

“It was very low key and very casual. It wasn’t a raid. It was a regular visit to all these premises.

“It was really a message to the licensees and the public that we don’t tolerate drug use in licensed premises and that we take a positive stance.”

Four police vans, a prison bus, a mobile police station, four marked police cars and three unmarked cars was used in the operation.