The Metro Police Department in South Africa has expanded its K9 unit with four new recruits, Tina, Gizmo, Djenko, and Magnum, to strengthen its efforts against the narcotics trade. The unit, which has been instrumental in crime fighting since its inception in 2009, has seen an 11.3% increase in police detection of drug-related crimes compared to the previous year, with detection of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs increasing by 61.5%. The Metro Police K9 unit, now in its 15th year, has played a crucial role in detecting narcotics, explosives, and locating missing persons.
The introduction of these new K9s comes as the Metro Police and Law Enforcement Departments are seeing a notable increase in drug-related arrests and confiscations. From July 2023 to the end of March 2024, arrests increased from 7,494 in the previous financial year to 9,328, while the units of drugs confiscated also saw a substantial increase from 48,178 to 69,852.94. These confiscations include common narcotics such as Mandrax, tik, dagga, and heroin.
Alderman JP Smith, Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, highlighted the significance of these canine units and the role of the K9 unit in exposing the creative hiding places of drug dealers. However, Smith acknowledged the limitations of the City's role in dismantling the drug trade and encouraged residents to use the City's dedicated tip-off line (0800 110077) to report any suspicious activities.
