A UNIQUE Abergele business is helping in the international war against drugs and terrorism.

Specialist dog instructor David Scott and his team have been making use of the facilities at the PetPlace pet shop, off Rhuddlan roundabout to train canines in detection of explosives and drugs.

A former member of the RAF police, Mr Scott has worked in Kosovo, Bosnia, Iraq, Kuwait and other war-torn countries in a 30-year career as a dog handler.

Mr Scott said: “The dogs are training in amongst the dog food and treats and toys there are so many distractions and obstacles to them successfully sniffing out the target scent,” he said.

“If they can find what they’re looking for with all of that going on around them, then they can find it anywhere.”

To help train the dogs, PetPlace offered its myriad facilities to Flintshire firm Wagtail UK, specialists in training for detection and dog handling.

Mr Scott added: “I’ve never come across another facility like this in the UK, it’s unique in the way dogs can interact in a social environment which is safe and controlled but also fun for them.” he said.

“In 30 years, I’ve never stopped learning and I’ve learnt a lot from PetPlace in the short time we’ve been working together.

Mr Scott’s words followed glowing praise from pet psychologist, Roger Mugford, trainer of the Queen’s corgis and internationally recognised for his work with the Animal Behaviour Centre in Surrey.

Sion Pritchard, managing director of PetPlace said: "To have such feedback is extremely heartening, and to be able to help a renowned company such as Wagtail in training these dogs and the handlers themselves is a source of pride for us all.

“The work they do is vital for the military and emergency services, so we are honoured to be able to play a small part in helping them to keep drugs and explosives off the streets.”