DRUG SNIFFER dogs are to be used on a city's buses to sniff out addicts, it has been revealed.

Officers tasked with patrolling public transport in Birmingham are adopting the tactic after concerns from passengers that people were smoking cannabis unchecked. The specially trained dogs can detect any drug and can also tell if someone has been in contact with drugs even days previously. They can also detect drugs through clothing and plastic bags, cutting the chances of people being able to hide their illegal supplies.

Birmingham's Community Safety Partnership has helped fund a dedicated drugs dog and handler for Safer Travel - a team dedicated to tackling crime on the buses.

The Safer Travel team are a group of police officers and police community support officers who work on the bus network and associated corridors of the West Midlands, focusing on crime reduction and community safety.

PC Pete Christie, from the Safer Travel team, said: "I would like to reassure bus travellers that we regularly patrol the buses both in high visibility uniforms and plain clothes with the drugs dog.

Anyone found using or in possession of drugs will be dealt with accordingly. It is something we take very seriously."