Australian Federal Police (AFP) specialist dogs helped seize 96kg of drugs, 13 firearms and $2.8 million in 2021.
AFP Superintendent Simon Henry said that as crime became more cyber-enabled the AFP was also using canines to detect phones, thumb drives and memory cards, which could hold tens of thousands of images of child abuse material.
“These invaluable AFP canines not only assist investigators during complex investigations but are deployed every day to help protect critical infrastructure, including Australian Parliament House and major airports,” Supt Henry said.
He said the AFP’s National Canine Operations had 70 detection dogs that were trained to sniff out cash, firearms, drugs, explosives and technology.
“Criminals will hide illicit materials in wall cavities, vehicles, under the floor, small cavities within walls, the ceiling and other places,” Supt Henry said.
“There are no limits criminals will go to in order transport or attempt to hide illicit substances.
“They use chemicals to mask scent or to draw canines away from a specific area.
“AFP canines are trained to outsmart offenders.”
Supt Henry said that since 30 June 2020 AFP canines had located more than $4.8 million in Australian currency.
He said cash detection dogs were used to help find cash from the proceeds of crime and in airports to identify money launderers trying to move large amounts of cash into or out of the country.
“All of our dogs are stars and we have many dogs which are considered exceptional in their role,” he said.
“While there are standout canines within the capability, one is not preferred over another.”
He said that as Australians started to travel again the most likely place the public would see an AFP canine was at the airport.
“Our dogs are friendly and love to work and search for things that could put people in danger,” Supt Henry said.
