POLICE officers say they detected evidence of cocaine, cannabis and ephedrine use during an operation carried out at a Barry pub on Friday December 30.

Eight samples gave a positive reading when South Wales Police attended The Buck, on Holton Road, with a drug itemiser machine.

A total of 51 swabs were taken from customers hands between 7pm and 10pm.

Those who declined to take part in the test were refused entry to the premises.

Officers carried out the multi-agency operation as a result of concerns raised by staff about substance misuse at the venue.

Those who produced positive samples were searched under the Misuse of Drugs Act, but no-one was found to be in possession of a controlled substance.

No arrests were made.

Licensing officer PC Jason Young, who was involved in the operation, said: “Drug itemiser operations prove effective in not only preventing drugs entering licensed premises, but also delivering a clear message to drug dealers and users that drugs will not be tolerated in the Vale of Glamorgan.

“The licensee of The Buck public house has been reporting issues surrounding the use and supply of drugs on their premises, with cleaners often finding empty drugs bags in the toilets and persons leaving the toilets acting suspiciously.

“A woman recently arrested at the venue was also found to be in possession of drugs.

“Among our primary aims on Friday evening, as well as to detect and prevent illegal drug activity at the venue, was to reassure the public that South Wales Police and the Community Safety Partnership have a zero-tolerance approach to the use and supply of controlled drugs, and that we are determined to ensure that the pubs and clubs of Barry are safe places in which to socialise.”