It’s been a busy few months for the Metro Police’s K9 Unit which has been instrumental in hundreds of arrests across Cape Town.
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The unit has had a long list of successes over the past 10 months, not least of which was helping to uncover an R84 million cocaine consignment.
A total of 14 qualified canines, with valid work permits, are operational.
The dogs undergo very specific training which includes developing a bond with their handler.
They are trained to detect either drugs, firearms, ammunition or explosives, and finding missing persons.
One of them, K9 Jackson, can detect both drugs and copper.
In the current financial year, the unit has made 328 arrests of which 45% were drug-related.
Members have also recovered various quantities of drugs, five firearms, two imitation firearms and 109 rounds of ammunition, as well as eight stolen vehicles and just over R250 000 in cash.
During this period, the canines conducted 865 searches.
‘Combatting drug and firearm related offences are among the Metro Police Department’s key priorities, as outlined in its annual policing plan,’ said mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith. ‘Our specialised units like the Gang and Drug Task Team and the K9 Unit are integral to the department’s operations, and we see it in the results that they deliver, whether doing autonomous operations, or jointly with SAPS.’
‘Most recently, our K9 Khalesi helped uncover a massive cocaine consignment – proving once more how valuable they are to policing operations.’
‘Apart from their incredible detection skills, the canines also help foster relationships with communities. They are firm favourites during public education and awareness events, showing off their incredible skills. Recently, we have put quite a bit of focus on the City’s investment in a more technology-led enforcement approach, which is crucial to our future plans. That said, there is no substitute for these canines and their excellent detection skills. They’ve shown time and again that they can’t be easily fooled, no matter the hiding place.’
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Picture: Suppiled / CoCT
