Metro Police K9s don't 'blaf'
14 May 2023
The K9s are one of several specialised units with the Metro Police Department focusing on illicit drugs and firearms. 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.
The K9 Unit has 14 qualified canines with valid work permits and who 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 (July 2022 – April 2023), 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 have 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. 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,' said Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith.
Among the benefits of canines in the enforcement environment are:- The ability to detect contraband quickly
- Being able to uncover contraband in places that humans may not think to look
- Reduces the amount of time spent searching a premises
- Protecting their handlers and others
- Detecting/following the scent of missing persons
- Detecting stolen copper infrastructure
- Improved relationships between the enforcement services and the public
Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office
