Shillong, Dec 3: In a bid to strengthen its fight against the drug menace, the Drug Reduction, Elimination & Action Mission (DREAM) has procured six specialised sniffer dogs, including three Belgian Malinois and three Cocker Spaniels.
The specialised sniffer dogs are likely to strengthen the operational capacity of the State Police.
Valued at Rs 12.54 lakh, the gogs underwent specialised training in narcotics detection at a Bengaluru facility from April to November this year.
Nine Meghalaya Police personnel were also trained alongside the dogs to ensure effective deployment.
DREAM Director Francis Kharshiing stated that the dogs will enhance the State’s enforcement capability, particularly in detecting concealed substances and reading human behavior.
The dogs are currently undergoing an acclimatisation phase and will be pressed into service once they are fully comfortable and responsive to Meghalaya’s terrain and climate.
The trained handlers will then assume operational charge, deploying the dogs for field duties and anti-narcotics interventions.
“At present, the dogs have successfully completed their training and are under the supervision of the ANTF (Anti-Narcotics Task Force) of the Meghalaya Police and are currently undergoing an acclimatisation phase to adjust to the weather and environmental conditions of Meghalaya.
This transitional period is essential to ensure that the dogs are fully comfortable, responsive, and capable of performing effectively in the State’s unique terrain and climate,” Kharshiing stated.
