A clever police dog called Socks lived up to his name when he sniffed out a drug dealer’s stash of cocaine – which was hidden in a sock.
Dramatic police bodycam footage shows Besmir Negji being chased by officers who received a tip-off from a member of the public.
The 31-year-old was caught and arrested before specialist search dog PD Socks was ordered to search his silver Renault Laguna.
Footage shows the dog repeatedly sniffing the steering wheel following Negji’s arrest on Buccleuch Street in Kettering, Northamptonshire, on August 24 this year.
PD Socks’ handler is heard saying: ‘There’s something in there.’
An officer then pulled out a black sock hidden in a secret compartment underneath the steering wheel which contained 15 bags of cocaine.
PD Socks (pictured) lived up to his name when he sniffed out drug dealer Negji’s stash of cocaine – which was hidden in a sock
Besmir Negji (pictured), 31 from Kettering, Northamptonshire, was sentenced to two years and four months behind bars for possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply and driving without insurance
Dramatic police bodycam footage shows Besmir Negji being chased by officers who received a tip-off from a member of the public
On finding the drugs, the officer says: ‘Hold on, who’s a clever boy! Every time mate. You’re a clever boy.’
Negji, formerly of Kettering, Northamptonshire, was charged with one count of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply and one count of driving without insurance. He pleaded guilty to both offences at Northampton Crown Court in August.
Returning to the same court at the beginning of this month, he was sentenced to two years and four months behind bars.
Lead Investigator PC Robert Booth, of Northamptonshire Police, said: ‘This case demonstrates the effort offenders like Besmir Negji make to avoid being caught and having their drugs located.
‘However it also demonstrates how determined us officers are in using every tool in our arsenal, including the use of specialist police dogs, to get one step ahead and bring drug dealers to justice.
‘The success of this case is also down to the members of the public who brought this vehicle to our attention and I hope it goes to show that we are listening to our communities and doing whatever we can to make their areas a safer place to live.
‘Tackling drug harm remains a priority for Northamptonshire Police so please get in touch with us if you have any information or intelligence regarding drug dealing in your local area.’
Footage shows the dog repeatedly sniffing the steering wheel following Negji’s arrest on Buccleuch Street in Kettering, Northamptonshire, on August 24 this year
An officer then pulled out a black sock hidden in a secret compartment underneath the steering wheel which contained 15 bags of cocaine.
PD Socks is a highly regarded officer for Northants Police, having being frequently praised by his handlers on social media for his hard work.
Most recently he earned himself a delicious chicken foot after finding a drugs stash in a drug dealer’s car in August.
His proud handlers wrote in August: ‘PD Socks won the game of hide and seek with the drug dealers again today after he located this hide in a vehicle and earned himself a tasty chicken foot as a reward!’
And after locating cash in December 2021, he earned himself a tennis ball. Officers wrote at the time: ‘PD Socks earned himself his tennis ball today with a good find whilst assisting with some warrants. He located a significant quantity of concealed cash which has now been seized.’
PD Socks earned himself a tasty treat after finding a dealer’s stash in August this year
‘PD Socks won the game of hide and seek with the drug dealers again today after he located this hide in a vehicle and earned himself a tasty chicken foot as a reward!’