ILOILO City – The K9 dogs trained for narcotics detection will boost the anti-drug campaign in Iloilo, according to Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) spokesperson Lt. Col. Arnel Solis.
In an interviewon June 26, Solis said the drug-detecting dogs will be deployed in ports of entry and exit across the province.
“Dogs have a powerful sense of smell, as compared to the limited sense of humans. The K9 dogs, through sniffing, can detect the presence of illegal drugs,” he said.
At least 22 canines and their handlers are set to finish the 180-day Narcotics Detection Dog and Handlers Course on July 6.
The handlers, who are personnel of the IPPO, also underwent comprehensive instruction in narcotics detection, canine handling, and veterinary care.
Solis said 26 dogs initially entered the course, of which 17 have already passed the evaluation, four have failed, and the rest are still being evaluated.
He said the dogs that failed to reach the standards set in their program of instruction will no longer qualify to be part of the K9 team.
“It is innate in dogs if they qualify. The training is just an enhancement of their existing skills and abilities. Once they pass, they will be certified by PDEA (Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency) and will be given authority,” he said.
The provincial government has allotted P3.8 million for the program. (PNA)
