Sniffer dogs target punters trying to sneak drugs into Royal Ascot
A RACEGOER poses with armed cops as Ascot beefs up its security.
As well as a visible police presence, sniffer dogs are targeting anyone trying to sneak drugs into the poshest areas of the course.
Simba was part of the canine team seen checking those in the invitation-only Royal Enclosure, plus the £99-a-ticket Queen Anne Enclosure.
He is one of the pooches skilled in detecting drugs or explosives walked around and stationed at entrances by firm Invictaks.
Punters suspected of carrying narcotics can enter if they hand them over before a search.
They are barred from coming in if they deny having any but are then found to possess banned substances during a subsequent search.
The voluntary amnesty is held in a marquee to the side of the queue where a line of punters were waiting for around 15 minutes to prove their innocence.
One held up in the amnesty queue told The Sun: “It’s annoying as it’s another delay in getting inside, but they’ve got a job to do.
“The dog was very friendly but I swear I don’t know what it smelt on me, honest.”
It follows a clampdown in 2018 which saw more than 20 sniffer dogs patrolling entrances, bars and toilet queues to flush out drug users.
Armed police were seen mingling with the crowds.