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“We’ve had incidents reported to us recently where this method of using Royal Mail to distribute drugs has included substances packaged in envelopes with sweets”
UK cannabis lovers might want to think twice about sending pot through the post.
Dyfed-Powys Police in Haverfordwest has been intercepting Royal Mail packages filled with prohibited drugs, with the help of a smart-nosed sniffer dog hired to suss out the contents of suspicious parcels.
“We’ve had incidents reported to us recently where this method of using Royal Mail to distribute drugs has included substances packaged in envelopes with sweets,” Haverfordwest sergeant Gerwyn Davies said in a statement.
“This is something we were keen to clamp down on immediately, so we arranged to carry out an operation at the Haverfordwest sorting office to both intercept any illegal drugs being sent by mail, and gather intelligence to form a bigger picture,” Davies added.
The Dyfed-Powys force has received numerous requests for help from workers at the Haverfordwest mail sorting office who believe certain packages to be filled with contents of questionable legality.
PC John Llewellyn, along with canine partner PD Billy, is performing inspections on any mail deemed suspicious.
This has led to officers such as PC John Llewellyn, along with canine partner PD Billy, performing further inspections on any mail deemed suspicious while Royal Mail employees continue with their regular duties.
This Tuesday, a small parcel flagged as irregular by staff, was handed to PD Billy who quickly indicated that it contained an illegal substance. The parcel was opened and 2.6 g of cannabis, which is prohibited in the UK for adult use, was seized.
Sgt. Davies says that the law enforcement efforts could have bigger implications down the line.
“While a small amount of drugs were found, this operation highlighted that Royal Mail is being used by some people to supply illegal substances, and has allowed us to gather vital intelligence to form future work,” said Davies.
“We had positive feedback from staff and the manager, who are now aware that suspicious packages have been delivered to some addresses in the area, and we intend for this to be an ongoing partnership with the aim of disrupting the supply of illegal substances.”
The drug may seem benign, and the quantity negligible. But with so many canine police officers facing layoffs and early retirement, it looks like PD Billy has secured his employment for the time being.
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