We all know that dogs possess an incredibly powerful nose and now they are set to use these natural gifts to help fight crime as certain specially trained dogs in the UK will be working to detect synthetic opioids.
It comes as the UK makes canine history with the Border Force becoming the first agency across the world to use these highly-trained dogs to detect the synthetic opioids.
The dogs are now ready to use their nose for detection at key border crossings which means that criminal networks will face stricter barriers when it comes to attempting to hide or smuggle opioids.
The K9 synthetic opioid detection units are assisting frontline officers in screening postal items, cargo, freight, and courier deliveries for hidden synthetic opioids and other Class A drugs.
According to the UK’s Home Office and Border Force, they will continuously work on training the detection dogs in order to stay ahead of evolving threats. They will also aim to keep up with the sophistication and technology of criminal networks that have previously avoided detection through new production methods and changing scent profiles.
Specifically, the Border Force will the first agency worldwide to use these specially trained canines to detect fentanyl and nitazenes.
“Drugs kill, and we need to keep one step ahead of the criminals who peddle in misery. By using these specially trained dogs to sniff out synthetic opioids, we can stop the drug dealers in their tracks,” Sarah Jones, minister responsible for policing, said. “By working closely with other countries, we’re staying ahead of what is now a fast-moving scene led by international organised crime groups. My message is clear: we are stepping up our fight to stop these dangerous drugs from ever reaching our communities.”
According to the UK government, synthetic opioids pose a growing public health challenge. Their extreme potency increases the risk of accidental overdose, and their ease of concealment makes detection difficult.
Detector dogs have worked the UK border since 1978, according to the UK Border Force. At first they worked on solely detecting drugs, but since then the agency has developed its understanding of what they can do and how to get the best results from them.
