A DOG trained to sniff out drugs led to 27 people being searched on the city centre streets of Oxford.

It was the latest patrol involving a black Labrador called Benson, his handler Phil Munt, director of Corporate Search Ltd, Nightsafe manager, Karen Crossan and police officers.

The drugs dog team was used to search pub-goers and clubbers on Saturday night to check they hadn't been using illegal drugs.

They worked in the areas of St Ebbe's, George Street, and Hythe Bridge Street. One person was arrested for possessing Class-A drugs and two on street cautions were issued for cannabis.

A number of the people searched advised that they had taken substances within the last two hours.

Benson can detect people who have used or been in contact with drugs in the last 36 hours.

In a previous patrol, in August, Benson was out with officers in the city centre, leading to 14 people being searched on suspicion of carrying drugs in Park End Street and Gloucester Street.

Karen Crossan, Nightsafe Manager, said: "Benson is trained to work through a static crowd and check large numbers of people within minutes.

"He indicates by sitting next to his handler if he can smell any trace of drugs on a person. They would then be searched by the police officers.

"The public were very interested in our team and what we were doing and we had very positive feedback from them and the licensees."

Phil Munt, director of Corporate Search Ltd, said: "We provide a high-profile visual deterrent and by licensees assisting with the team they can be seen to be taking reasonable steps to prevent drug misuse and in doing so protect their licence and their customers."

Inspector Graham Sutherland, of Thames Valley Police, said: "Using resources such as passive drug dogs to provide support to city licensees and door staff in identifying possible drug dealers and users demonstrates the commitment of the partners within Nightsafe to the public of Oxford. It is our desire to make Oxford safer and keep it safe."

Councillor Caroline van Zyl, executive member for a safer city, said: "This is another example of partnership working in Oxford which should be welcomed.

"Residents will be encouraged and reassured by the commitment and co-operation of licensees in welcoming measures to make our clubs and pubs cleaner and safer."

The Nightsafe partnership, which includes Oxford City Council, Thames Valley Police, Oxfordshire County Council, Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service, OX1, Oxford City Primary Health Care Trust, was set up to combat binge drinking and alcohol-related crime.