[Asia Economy Beijing=Special Correspondent Kim Hyunjung] According to local media including the People's Daily on the 9th, the 'Squirrel Search Team' trained in drug detection was dispatched for the first time to the southwestern region of China.
According to the report, six 'Squirrel Search Team' members, certified for drug detection ability by scientific research institutions, were deployed to logistics warehouses and delivery centers within Chongqing City. The species included in the search team is the Eurasian red squirrel.
This project is known to be part of the national core research and development project titled 'New Drug Prevention Animal Breeding and Training Methods and Supportive Self-Financing Development and Application.' A Public Security Bureau official explained, "Squirrels have an excellent sense of smell, but in the past, it was technically difficult to train rodents," adding, "However, through a self-developed training system, various training could be conducted." He further added, "The squirrels quickly identify drugs and are producing good results."
Compared to drug detection dogs, squirrels are smaller and more agile, allowing them to find drugs regardless of the height of the target object. These search team members are trained to scratch the area where drugs are found to alert their handlers.
Meanwhile, in China, the punishment for drugs is very severe, with not only use but also simple possession and transportation treated as serious crimes. Chinese courts impose the death penalty solely on drug trafficking charges.
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