K-9 unit sniffing out terrorism in K-P

Raised in 2008, the unit continues to be part of search and strike operations

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police’s 62-member canine unit (K-9) has played a key role in fighting terrorism in the country.

The sacrifices and efforts of canines in service of the country are no less than any other people in uniform or civvies.

The daunting dogs of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa police have been part of a number of successful operations thwarting terrorism attempts by timely sniffing out the evil designs of terrorism perpetrators.

According to police spokesman, the K-9 unit’s performance has been exceptional and at times beyond expectations.

The sniffer dogs, mostly Labradors, have helped police recover explosives and weapons in number of operations.

The K-9 unit has helped in recovery of a live bomb that was about to go off, besides during its service the unit has helped in detecting 18 kilogrammes of explosives, seven hand grenades and 240 cracker bombs.

The police canines also helped in seizure of 63 Kalashnikovs, two Kalakovs, two machine guns, 13 repeater shotguns, 202 pistols, 99 rifles, four rocket launchers and 4,488 bullets.

Moreover, the sniffer dogs caught 38.64 kilogrammes of narcotics and 118 bottles of liquor.

The unit has been an integral part of Search and Strike Operation being conducted across the province on daily basis.

K-P police had raised the canine unit (K-9) in 2008 when terrorism had reached its peak.

In 2009, four sniffer dogs were purchased for this unit and four handlers were also appointed to look after them. In 2013, the police acquired 17 more sniffer dogs and appointed four more handlers.

Similarly during 2014, the unit added 31 more canines and to work with them the police hired and trained another eight constables, seven ex-servicemen and 22 fresh appointees.

Police are considering breeding of sniffer dogs besides providing all resources for their care and training.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 20^th, 2018.