Staff at the Broadway Boulevard in Llandudno saw 170 people randomly tested for drugs, with 45 showing signs that they may have been in possession of, or come into contact with, a controlled substance.

North Wales Police have been trialling a new, mobile tool for testing drugs called an itemiser for the first time in Llandudno.

West Conwy Neighbourhood Policing Team, based in Llandudno Police Station, carried out the simple hand swab test on people selected by the premises staff and officers. The swabs were run through a screening machine to get a reading.

Positive results provide police with the grounds to detain, search and subsequently arrest, if people are found in possession of drugs.

Insp Mike Owen, district commander for West Conwy said "This is an important development in our capability to identify and search people who may be involved with unlawful drugs.
"The device gives clear indications if anyone has come into contact with drugs and what they are. That allows us to spend time searching and dealing with the people that we need to."

He added: "I was impressed by the accuracy and detailed information that the device provided us with and the speed in which we could process the samples. More operations are now being planned for pubs and clubs elsewhere in the local area in the coming months."

Sgt Dave Ashworth North Wales Police substance misuse officer explained: "This is the first time the equipment has been used in North Wales. By using it in this manner we aim to provide a safer environment for members of the public who use licensed premises whilst supporting members of the licensing trade in their efforts to discourage the use of controlled drugs within their premises.