Johannesburg, Nov 21 (People's Daily Online) - The Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD) launched the K9 Narcotics Tactical Unit on Monday, with a mandate to prevent crime and respond to serious and violent crimes. Due to the extensive nature of drug trafficking and using in Johannesburg, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Public Safety, Councilor Michael Sun gave a fresh mandate of focusing on narcotics to the K9 Unit.

According to Sun, currently comprising of 60 officers who are trained in special weapons and tactics, crime scene management and advanced driving, there is an intention to bolster the Unit with another 60 officers within the forthcoming financial years.

The unit will be working with South African Police Service (SAPS) and Crime Intelligence, South African Revenue Service (SARS), tracking companies, Community Police Forum (CPF) as well as business and communities to effectively respond and combat narcotics in Johannesburg.