Garda ‘canine detectives’ set for expanded role

DOG units, being used to sniff out drug smuggling and criminal activity, look set to be extended nationwide.

The units, operating at a cost of about €3 million yearly, are controlled by gardaí and customs officers.

Newly appointed Garda commissioner Fachtna Murphy is deciding on boosting the use of the specially trained dogs for local Garda units, following successful seizures of drugs on the streets of Limerick and Cork. Currently, gardaí and customs handlers use 39 dogs nationwide combating criminal activities.