Shillong, Feb 28: 24 dogs of the -9 Unit were inducted and three retired at a function held at the 1st MLP Battalion on Saturday.
The K -9 unit is an indispensable pillar of our security architecture, said Deputy Chief Minister in-charge Home (Police) Prestone Tynsong during the event.
Tynsong said the force has grown from seven dogs to 37—10 trackers, 14 narcotics detectors, 11 explosives detectors and two assault dogs—through the DREAM Mission.
He recalled recent successes.
Explosives were detected in East, South and West Garo Hills, heroin worth Rs 5 crore was seized in Ri‑Bhoi in 2023, and 691.54 grams were recovered in Shillong this year.
“Every detection was a tragedy averted,” he said.
Addressing the handlers, he said, “You don’t just walk together, you live and breathe the mission together.”
He assured advanced training and welfare for the canines. “To the dogs retiring today, thank you for your service… to the new inductees, you have big paws to fill.”
Later, speaking to reporters, Director General of Police (DGP) Idashisha Nongrang said three dogs retired after more than 30 years’ combined service—a Belgian Malinois tracker and two Labradors were trained in explosives and narcotics.
Twenty‑four new dogs were inducted, joining six earlier from the DREAM Mission, she said
“We now have 11 trained for explosives ,a bit more for narcotics. Earlier we used to have K‑9 only in Shillong; now we’re dividing them up all over the state”, she said.
The DGP said the preference for Belgian Malinois is because of longer lifespan and it is flexible to multiple handlers, unlike German Shepherds.
The handlers were trained in Bengaluru and bonded during the road trip home.
