You’ve probably seen these working dogs walking around airports, concert venues, or other large spaces with security personnel. You may be wondering, what are they trained to pick up on? Let’s discuss what drug-sniffing dogs can detect and your rights if you are searched via sniff.
What Drug Scents are Detectable?
Some drugs have much stronger smells than others. However, dog noses are equipped with over 100 million scent receptors, as opposed to our 6 million! This makes it possible for them to pick up on many more scents unrecognizable to us humans.
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Crack cocaine
- Heroin
- Ecstasy
- Methamphetamine
- Ketamine
- LSD
If the dog senses a drug in your belongings, it will alert a law enforcement officer.
Drug Sniffing Dog Searches and Your Rights
You may be wondering, can a drug detection dog come and sniff you and your belongings at any time, for any reason? In some cases, yes. In some cases, no.
In order for drug detection dogs to be used during a traffic stop, there must be a warrant or valid probable cause. This is because it is considered a search.
However, there does not need to be any suspicion or probable cause for a drug-sniffing dog to investigate your belongings in a place like an airport. The dogs may sniff your luggage for drugs, explosives, or other prohibited items. According to the ruling of United States vs. Place, this is not considered a search. Therefore, the legal requirements are different.
Drug and Criminal Defense Attorneys in Broward County
If you have recently been charged with possession of an illegal substance, contact Hager & Schwartz, P.A.. We will go over all of the details of the search leading up to your arrest to ensure your rights were not violated. Whether you were searched by a drug-sniffing dog or law enforcement officer, we’re here to help you with your defense. Call us at (954) 840-8713.
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