Texas DPS graduates five new canine teams, one team headed to Austin

AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Department of Public Safety graduated five Troopers and five canines from a nine-week training program on Friday, including one team headed to Austin.

The teams will join 41 other DPS Narcotic Detection Teams and five Explosives Detection Teams throughout the state, within the Texas Highway Patrol Division.

(Texas Department of Public Safety)

“Canines are a valuable asset to law enforcement, and the Texas Department of Public Safety is pleased to welcome five new canine teams to our ranks,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw in a release. “After completing weeks of rigorous training, these new teams are ready to take on their task of protecting and serving the state of Texas as they work to interdict criminals and take narcotics off the streets.”

One dog came from Homeland Security, three through donations and one was a rescue. The breeds include two German Shepherds, one Labrador Retriever, one Belgian Malinois, and one Dutch Shepherd. The five canines will be used for drug and explosive detection. 

The new dogs and their duty stations are Cassie (Cotulla); Colt (El Paso); Norman (Wichita Falls); Baxtor (Victoria); and Hiro (Austin). 

In 2018, DPS says canine teams assisted in the seizure of approximately 17,576 pounds of marijuana, 462 pounds of cocaine, 185 pounds of heroin, 456 pounds of methamphetamine, 566 pounds of hashish and $5.7 million in cash.