Mizoram government on Tuesday inducted an eight-member Canine Squad into the state police force for anti-crime, anti-drug and search and rescue operation.
The Canine Squad includes 4 German shepherds and 4 Labrador retrievers, said official sources.
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The squad was included in Mizoram Police during a function at Aizawl.
Speaking on the occasion, Mizoram home minister Pu Lalchamliana said the induction of the Canine Squad is a memorable day and milestone for Mizoram as well as the state police.
He pointed out that Mizoram Police have had inducted dog squad 20 years ago.
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“It is a great achievement for the state police to induct good canine squad after a generation and I hope, the dog police will comfort the people,” he said.
According to the home minister, 3 of the 8 dogs are trained in tracking and detection of criminal and another 3 are sniffer dogs trained to find drugs.
He said one each dog is trained to detect explosive and for search and rescue operation.
“On several occasions”, Lalchamliana said, “The state police face impediments and inconvenience in tracking criminals and anti-drug drive due to absence of good canine squad.”
He thanked the Centre for providing financial assistance to buy the dogs and for the expenses of the squad’s training.
According to an official, the Narcotic Control Bureau of the Union Ministry sanctioned Rs. 1,840 lakh in 2018-19 for induction of a canine squad for anti-drug smuggling operation in view of the growing supply from neighbouring countries and states.
With this assistance, the state government bought 4 German Shepherds and 4 Labrador retrievers, he said.
While one German shepherd cost Rs 50,000, one Labrador retriever cost Rs 40,000, he said.