The East Coast Railway (ECoR) has stepped up its efforts to prevent the illegal transportation of narcotics and other prohibited substances across its railway network under Operation Narcos.
As part of the intensified enforcement drive, specially trained K9 sniffer dogs are being deployed to inspect trains, railway platforms and areas where luggage and parcels are handled.
The railway has expanded its canine squad with the induction of 18 new dogs, including 15 specially trained narcotics detection dogs.
With the latest addition, the total strength of the East Coast Railway’s sniffer dog squad has risen to 33, including 20 dogs specifically trained for narcotics detection.
New K9 Dogs To Undergo Specialised Training
The newly inducted dogs are scheduled to undergo specialised training from September 25.
According to officials, the dogs are expected to become fully operational by March 2027, after completing their training programme.
Among the trained K9 personnel are dogs named Rocky, Jackson, Max, Leo and Tyson. The dogs include breeds such as Doberman and Belgian Malinois, which are used for specialised detection and security operations.
Their training is focused on identifying narcotics and other prohibited substances and assisting security personnel during inspections.
Cameras Installed On Sniffer Dogs
The railway has also introduced cameras on some of the K9 dogs to assist security teams in documenting operations and collecting evidence.
Some of the dogs received specialised training in Delhi before being deployed for railway security operations.
The use of cameras is expected to provide additional support during searches and help officials maintain records of detection and enforcement activities.
K9 Squad Assists In Crime Detection
The trained dogs have already contributed to several detection operations across the East Coast Railway network.
According to an official, Jackson has assisted in detecting and helping solve several cases, particularly in the Khordha area.
Another trained dog, Leo, has assisted authorities in detecting cases involving explosives.
Other members of the K9 squad have also reportedly contributed to the detection of narcotics, explosives and other prohibited materials during railway security operations.
Operation Narcos Intensified
The expanded K9 squad is expected to strengthen the railway’s enforcement efforts under Operation Narcos, which focuses on detecting and preventing the transportation of narcotics through the railway network.
Sniffer dogs can be deployed at multiple points, including trains, platforms, luggage areas and parcel-handling locations, allowing security teams to conduct targeted searches.
The K9 units work alongside the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and other security personnel during enforcement operations.
Stronger Railway Security Network
With the addition of new dogs and specialised training, East Coast Railway is expanding its capacity to detect narcotics, explosives and other illegal substances.
The K9 squad is also expected to support the RPF in crime detection and investigation-related operations.
The expansion comes as railway authorities continue to strengthen surveillance and enforcement measures across the network to prevent the movement of prohibited substances and enhance passenger security.
