UK launches world’s first ‘dog unit’

In a groundbreaking move to strengthen border security, the UK has launched the world’s first trained dog unit capable of detecting deadly fentanyl and nitazine. The unit is breaking new ground in detecting synthetic opioids at UK borders.
The Border Force said the ‘K-Nine Synthetic Opioid Detection Unit’ has already begun operations. These specially trained dogs are helping to detect drugs hidden in parcels, goods, cargo and courier shipments sent by post. It is understood that the tough stance against crime gangs The synthetic opioid trade is spreading rapidly in the UK, which is increasing the number of addictions and deaths. The government says the special initiative will make it harder for crime gangs to hide their drugs.
Police Minister Sarah Jones said: ‘Drugs kill people and we need to stay one step ahead of those who run this deadly trade. Using specially trained dogs, we can stop synthetic opioid traffickers. Through international cooperation, we are now fighting a drug market that is rapidly changing and controlled by organised crime.
He added, “Our message is clear, we are stepping up the fight to ensure that these dangerous drugs never enter our society.” According to experts in lethal risk and international cooperation, nitazine is 50 to 500 times more potent than heroin. More than 750 deaths related to this drug were recorded in the UK between June 2023 and August 2025 alone.
Even small amounts of synthetic opioids can be fatal. Drug traffickers are using new production techniques and altered scents to avoid detection. That is why the Border Force has said that it will continuously update this technology and training.
It is worth noting that at a five-nation ministerial conference held last month, the UK Home Secretary signed an agreement with the Home Secretaries of the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand to increase cooperation in the detection of synthetic drugs. As part of this, the UK has created a ‘Synthetic Opioid Pill Catalogue’ where samples of synthetic drugs seized in different countries will be stored. Border officers will be able to use this database to quickly verify suspicious tablets.
In addition to this initiative, the UK government has recently banned 22 new synthetic drugs and added a ‘generic definition’ to bring nitazines under the law, so that criminal gangs cannot evade the law.
In addition, the life-saving drug naloxone has been supplied to 32 police forces so far, with plans to expand further. Finally, the UK has entered a new chapter in the fight against drugs by deploying a dog unit trained to detect synthetic opioids for the first time in the world. The UK government believes that this initiative will stop drugs from entering the country across borders and play a significant role in protecting public health.