A team of eight very successful sniffer dogs from Cleveland Police are to patrol the entrances and concourses at the club's Riverside Stadium this season.

Since the beginning of the year the seven springer spaniels and one labrador have carried out 270 searches and recovered 80 drug caches.

Illegal substances with a street value of �250,000 have been recovered, including a two kilogram heroin haul valued at �200,000.

Hooligan cover

Although there is not a drug problem among Middlesbrough followers, there is a danger visiting supporters may be carrying illicit substances.

Bryan Drew, head of specialist intelligence at the National Criminal Intelligence Unit claims many hooligans are actively involved in the drugs scene.

Mr Drew said: "Travelling supporters provide a market for drugs as well as cover, through weight of numbers, for drug dealers."

Inspector Ross Sibley, who leads the Teesside dog force, said: "Anyone who comes to football matches in Middlesbrough with drugs stands a very good chance of being sniffed out and caught."

'Fantastic job'

Middlesbrough Football Club has declared its stadium a drug-free zone, and spokesman Dave Allen said: "The dog team's results speak for themselves, they have done a fantastic job."

In 2000 the cannine squad uncovered drugs with a street value of �2.5m, including a wagon full of cannabis with a value of �1.5m.