Six new K-9 teams have joined the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to enhance public safety and address fentanyl abuse. The group, consisting of five Belgian Malinois and one German Shepherd, is trained to detect narcotics, explosives, and criminal suspects. This class marks the first time canines have been trained from the outset to identify fentanyl.
Governor Gavin Newsom commented on the initiative: “With every class of canine officers, we add specialized capacity to meet the needs of the changing criminal landscape. These K-9 teams will be taking dangerous drugs off the streets and keeping communities safer.”
The patrol and narcotics-focused teams undergo 440 hours of training in criminal apprehension and narcotics detection. For the first time, specific training on fentanyl apprehension has been included. The explosives detection teams complete 600 hours of training. All units comply with California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) guidelines and will continue weekly training to maintain readiness.
The state currently has 50 active K-9 teams. The new class includes three Patrol and Narcotics Detection Canine teams, one Patrol and Explosives Detection Canine team, and two Narcotics Detection Canine teams.
“These new K-9 teams have demonstrated incredible dedication and skill throughout their training,” said CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee. “They’re not just protecting our communities—they’re enhancing our department’s ability to fight crime and save lives.”
These new additions represent various regions across California, including officers from CHP’s Coastal, Golden Gate, Valley, Border, and Inland field divisions. In 2024 alone, CHP K-9 teams played a role in seizing nearly 823 pounds of fentanyl.
