DRUG dealers are being given a short, sharp message by two New-port nightclubs - keep out.

Management at Zanzi-bar's and Voodoo have adopted a zero tolerance policy to people caught with drugs in the clubs.

Anyone found in possession of drugs is handed over to the police and there are no exceptions to the rule.

"The message we are trying to get across to people is that if you are bringing drugs in, we will catch you and you will be reported to the police," said complex manager John Parsons.

Inspector Eddie Mayne, of Newport police, welcomed their stance. "We would condone any licensed premises that take positive action in relation to stopping drugs being sold and used."

Police sniffer dogs have also been recruited in the drugs crackdown at the two nightclubs, which are both owned by the Springwood company. Mr Parsons said: "We are carrying out on-going operations with the police."

He added they pay for the police sniffer dogs who come into the clubs at random intervals. The most recent search came up with a negative result for drugs - a positive outcome for the management.

Mr Parsons stressed that a check is also made of the buildings and staff before the clubs are opened to the public.

Random searches of clubbers is also carried out, said Mr Parsons. "If they object then nine times out of ten they have something to hide and we don't let them on the premises." All the staff, including the registered doormen, are also trained to spot the signs that people are under the influence of drugs. Anyone who is caught with drugs is immediately handed over to the police and banned from the clubs.

He said it made sense to keep out the drug dealers from a business point of view and it was also good practice.

Mr Parsons said their strict policy had not affected business at all. Zanzibar, in Stow Hill, is open from Wednesday to Sunday while Voodoo opens its doors on a Saturday night.

The most-used illegal drug on the club scene is Ecstasy - or 'E'. According to police estimates, half a million young people in Britain regularly take the drug. PC Bernie Collins, drug education officer for Gwent Police, said that in the past six years 60 people in Britain had died after taking Ecstasy.