Officers will run Operation Balthazar to target all anti-social behaviour in town centres.

In the lead up to Christmas and the New Year, customers may be screened for the presence of drugs before entering a pub or club.

A device known as an Ion Track machine, will be in use in the foyers of pubs and clubs. Customers will be asked to have their hands 'swabbed' as a condition of entry.

Trained officers may also take samples from surfaces inside a venue, such as toilet cubicles, so that measures can be taken by the venue to reduce any drug activity. Police will attend a venue randomly and with the cooperation of the designated premises supervisor.

Drugs dogs will be close by and can detect illegal substances in the possession of customers who are queuing to enter licensed premises, and as people are leaving a venue and making their way home.

Drivers may also face drink and drugs testing at the roadside. British Transport Police will help monitor stations at Hassocks, Wivelsfield, Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill railway stations in particular.

Read the full story in the Mid Sussex Times

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