By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Dec 3: Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday formally a specialised K-9 unit under the DREAM (Drug Reduction, Elimination and Action Mission) initiative, marking a major step in Meghalaya’s intensified fight against drug trafficking. The launch was held at U Soso Tham Auditorium during the observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The event was attended by Adviser to Social Welfare Department Paul Lyngdoh, DGP Idashisha Nongrang, DREAM Mission Director Francis Kharshiing and ANTF SP Giri Prasad M.
According to the ANTF SP, the newly inducted K-9 squad comprises three Belgian Malinois and three Cocker Spaniels, all trained as anti-narcotics sniffer dogs at a renowned dog-training facility in Bengaluru.
The dogs will initially be deployed in high-risk zones to strengthen narcotics detection capabilities.
The dogs, procured in April 2025 at a cost of Rs 12.54 lakh, underwent specialised training until November 2025.
Alongside them, nine Meghalaya Police personnel were deputed for intensive dog-handling training during the same period, ensuring strong bonding and operational coordination between handlers and their canine partners.
The trained dogs are now under the supervision of the Anti-Narcotics Task Force (ANTF) and are undergoing an acclimatisation phase to adjust to Meghalaya’s terrain and climate. Once fully acclimatised, they will be deployed for field duties, including intelligence-led operations, vehicle checks, area sweeps and other specialised anti-narcotics interventions.
Officials said the Belgian Malinois—known for their agility, discipline and high-intensity performance—will support long-range and demanding field operations, while the smaller yet highly perceptive Cocker Spaniels will be deployed to detect drugs in confined or concealed spaces often used for trafficking.
Beyond detection, authorities highlighted the behavioural advantage of K-9 units. Trained sniffer dogs can identify stress cues and behavioural shifts in suspects—creating a deterrent effect even when substances are hidden or absent.
The state government had earlier approved the deployment of a full-strength 10-dog K-9 unit along with special detection vehicles at key entry and exit points. The addition of the first six trained dogs marks the operational rollout of this plan.
The launch reflects the government’s broader strategy to strengthen enforcement under DREAM to curb the growing drug menace in the state.
