Ice, ecstasy, cannabis, cocaine and heroin.
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Those are just some of the substances sniffed out by Tasmania Police drug dog Fang.
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From searching passengers arriving at Launceston Airport to patrolling the city's mall for drug offenders, the four-year-old Labrador has been involved in countless police operations since his first day on the job back in 2017.
Working closely with his handler Senior Constable Jareth Anderson, police dog Fang has not only uncovered illicit drugs, but helped police disrupt the distribution of those drugs throughout the greater community.
He has become a useful tool for several police departments, including the Northern Drug Investigation Service and the Criminal Investigation Branch.
Among his success stories was the discovery of drugs during a random mail screening operation at the Star Track Parcel Centre at St Leonards. He sniffed out 12 ounces of methylamphetamine and an ounce of cocaine. It wasn't the only time Fang has managed to dig up drugs coming into the state by mail either.
Cannabis, ecstasy, ice and heroin packages addressed to residents in Tasmania have been intercepted by Fang and members of the drug squad. In another operation, a woman flying into Launceston was caught at the airport with four ounces of methylamphetamine.
He has been described as the "perfect partner" by his handler who said Fang was "always happy and eager to get in and get the job done".
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"Fang's biggest strength is his ability to work for extended periods, in a variety of environments with little downtime," Senior Constable Anderson said.
"He can target odours that are in deep concealment, in areas that we [police officers] would be unable to access."
While the majority of his work involves the drug squad, Fang has also teamed up with the Northern Road Safety Task Force, searching for drugs at random breath testing sites.
Having Fang roadside has seen an increase in positive oral fluid tests and the detection of drugs being transported in vehicles, according to Senior Constable Anderson.
"P.D Fang is a district-wide resource available to any police unit that requires his unique capability," he said.
"He spends a lot of time walking the beat with uniform police, assisting at Launceston Airport as well as executing search warrants in the country. He will also assist our Community Policing Officers with presentations to school children and special interest groups."
Fang doesn't just work Monday to Friday either.
Launceston party-goers have been treated to visits from Fang, during searches outside pubs and clubs.
One example Senior Constable Anderson said was a late-night search last year when Fang stopped someone in the city and uncovered a small number of drugs.
When that person was searched by police, they found a can of OC spray and a baton, which they said was being taken into licensed premises.
While he has been trained to search for illicit substances, police also use Fang to deter criminal activity in public places.
During his city patrols, Fang has proven to make retailers and the general community feel safer.
"The presence of P.D Fang in the CBD at crucial times of the afternoon, evening and night have an effect of moving on those persons who are likely to commit breaches of the peace, due to the high visibility of officers with P.D Fang, and the perception that these persons do not want to come to police attention," Senior Constable Anderson said.
"Shopkeepers and members of the community often come up to give him a pat or positive feedback.
"Fang is always getting lots of attention and it's normally my job to stand back and let him soak it all up."
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