SEVERAL bars in Stockton Heath were visited by police and sniffer dogs over the weekend.

Saturday saw officers conduct checks at nine licensed premises in a crackdown on recreational drug use.

The clampdown comes as part of Cheshire Police’s Operation Powdered, with five people stopped after being sniffed out by police dogs.

Although there were no positive detections, four of the five people admitted to recent drug use.

Superintendent Mike Evans said: “There is often a perception that so-called recreational drugs reach the end user without any damage or harm being caused.

“However, you are often the final link in a long chain that is associated with threats and serious violence.

“Therefore, I would ask people to take a minute to reflect on the process, such as the chemicals being added to the cocaine you are inhaling, the cleaning products, poisons and various other items used to cut the drugs, as well as the violence used to enforce territorial disputes by dealers who go on to lead lavish lifestyles.

“I would encourage anyone who is aware of, and may have seen, drug activity taking place in Stockton Heath or elsewhere in the town to please let us know.

“You can speak to an officer or report it anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Information can also be provided by visiting cheshire.police.uk