POLICE Scotland search dog Juke, who specialises in finding drugs, visited the Scottish Borders last week.

And her visit was not in vain as she helped the Scottish Borders Community Action Team recover quantities of Class A drugs, including heroin and cocaine.

Officers are now appealing for residents of the Borders to help them tackle drugs misuse in the region by passing on information on such activity.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “Juke loves coming to the Scottish Borders, please help her come back by providing police with information about drug misuse.

“You can do this by contacting CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website crimestoppers-uk.org.”

Juke’s visit coincided with the news that the total drugs crime incidents in the region have reduced from 2,228, to 1715 in comparison to the previous year.

The number of drugs supply and possession offences are down by 104 and 408 reports respectively.

Border Telegraph: Police Scotland Police Scotland

Chief Superintendent Catriona Paton, Divisional Commander for the Lothians and Scottish Borders, said: “Drugs have a significant impact on the lives and wellbeing of people in our communities.

“Staff within Lothian and Scottish Borders have made positive in-roads in tackling drug crime and working with partners to support wider positive outcomes in keeping people safe.

“I am therefore really encouraged that, as we see a return to previously recorded crime rates, we are continuing to see a positive downward trend in drug crime.”

The CAT are funded by Scottish Borders Council in addition to the authorised strength of the national force.

The team, which consists of two sergeants and 12-constables are tasked by the council to deal with quality of life offences which affect the public in the region.