THE potential impact of drugs on business has led to the launch of a professional drug detection service in the Tees Valley.

Canine Drug Alert, based in Stockton, Teesside, reflects the need for businesses to ensure they operate in a drug-free environment.

The company offers a confidential and professional drug detection service, using narcotic search dogs, and is believed to be the only business of its type in the North-East.

Lockhart Security Services, which has its head offices in Sunderland, is one North-East firm that uses Canine Drug Alert.

John Rosul, head of strategic operations at Lockhart, said: "Nowadays, most responsible businesses and authorities have stringent drug and alcohol policies in place. Using Canine Drug Alert, we can now offer a practical way of helping to enforce a drug-free environment in the workplace.

"The company uses narcotics dogs that are trained to stringent Home Office standards to carry out a discreet and thorough search of premises to find any hidden class A and B drugs

"This service is invaluable to any organisation keen to promote the best interests of its workforce."

Organisations with large numbers of employees, such as factories or manufacturing plants, companies in logistics or haulage and businesses with a lot of customers like nightclubs, leisure facilities or airports all have the potential need for the support on offer.

Mr Rosul said: "Keeping business premises drug-free is an increasing issue for many of the organisations we work with. Employees may bring drugs into the workplace to store, use or even to sell to colleagues. Not only is this illegal, it is potentially very hazardous."

Canine Drug Alert has been set up with help from Business Link, which is part of the network of partnerships between the Government and the business community.

For more information about Canine Drug Alert contact Business Link's Tees Valley office, on (01642) 806666.