Newly Trained Canine Teams to Join Drug Fighting Efforts

The Texas Department of Public Safety says five newly graduated canine teams will be fighting drugs in the state.The canines for the program are acquired from private individuals, shelters, rescues and the Department of Defense. All of the canines will be used for drug detection. They include four Labrador Retrievers and one German Shepherd.

According to the Texas DPS, "the dogs and their handlers serve a vital role in the department's battle against criminal elements in the state of Texas and help keep drugs off the streets and out of our neighborhoods.

In 2011, DPS canine teams assisted in the seizure of approximately 60,000 pounds of marijuana, 750 pounds of cocaine, 110 pounds of heroin, 130 pounds of methamphetamine, 80 pounds of other drugs, and millions of dollars in cash.