POLICE have targeted rail users in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour and detect those carrying drugs and offensive weapons on the rail network
Officers from Tayside police and British Transport Police boarded trains between Montrose and Arbroath today as part of Operation Glade.
The Operation also focussed on engaging and re-assuring the public, by creating a high visibility presence both on the trains and at the stations, with officers from the Community Impact Team, the Dog Section and Special Constables taking part.
As a result of the assistance of police drugs dogs, a number of individuals were spoken with and a 38-year-old man was found in possession of cannabis and will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
Sergeant Suzanne Smith from the Community Impact Team said: “This is the first time that police dogs have been used on trains in Tayside, so this is a new and challenging environment for them, and it is an opportunity to test their skills.
“We have had a very positive reaction from the public who have been appreciative of our presence on the trains and it has been an excellent Operation in terms of working in partnership with British Transport Police, ScotRail and Network Rail and we hope to carry out Operation Glade again in the future”.
Sergeant Jim Wands from British Transport Police said: “Combating anti-social behaviour on the rail network is a priority for British Transport Police and this partnership initiative reinforces the message that drugs have no place in our communities.”
