The City of Cape Town has seen a rise in drug confiscations, partially credited to their highly-trained ‘K9’ crime-fighting dog unit. This unit, formed in 2009, has recently expanded with the addition of four new dogs, specially trained to detect narcotics, explosives, and even search for missing persons.
JP Smith, the city’s executive head of safety and security, commended the K9 unit’s effectiveness in combating crime, especially the drug trade. He expressed anticipation for the performance of the new recruits, acknowledging the legacy left by past K9 heroes like Savage, Troy, and Xena.
Aside from their crime-fighting capabilities, these dogs also serve as invaluable brand ambassadors, fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and communities. Their impact is evident in the increasing number of drug confiscations, which rose from 48,178 to 69,852 units between July 2023 and March 2024.
The proactive efforts of the city’s metro police and law enforcement departments have resulted in a significant increase in arrests, highlighting the K9 unit’s crucial role in the ongoing battle against crime.