SA company develops world-first safe K9 training for drug detection

December 2024 Editor's Choice, News & Events, Security Services & Risk Management, Government and Parastatal (Industry)


As South Africa grapples with rising substance abuse, the urgent need to combat synthetic narcotics such as Fentanyl, Fubinaca (synthetic cannabinoids), and Cathinones (also known as bath salts) has never been greater. These substances pose significant risks to public health and safety, contributing to rising mortality and addiction rates within the country and worldwide.

Synthetic opioids, particularly Fentanyl, are an international threat to countries and healthy family units (micro-economies). It is a deadly killer and an imminent threat to our nation and its people. It is many times more powerful and lethal than heroin. In the USA, 107 941 drug overdose deaths were reported in 2022, with 73 838 of those deaths attributed to synthetic drugs, primarily Fentanyl.

Fentanyl now has the potential to supersede all other banned narcotic substances insofar as narcotics-related deaths. It is a formidable and highly lethal substance that is highly addictive. Animals are equally under threat as a small dose of Fentanyl can kill even an elephant in minutes and has killed many substance-detection dogs in the process of detecting illicit substances.

Media attention remains side-tracked and focused on other health issues, and the imminent and dangerous threat posed by substances such as Fentanyl does not enjoy the coverage it should.

New method is safe for dogs and people

In a ground-breaking advancement in K9 training, Braveheart researchers have developed a new method revolutionising how dogs and handlers are trained to detect illicit substances, including synthetic drugs like Fentanyl, Fubinaca, and Synthetic Cathinone. This new method ensures that the dogs are more accurate in their detection capabilities without compromising their mental and physical preparedness and ensures handler safety.


A strict scientific protocol was followed to identify the risks and ensure the safety of both dogs and humans. This process entailed clinical examinations of humans and dogs involved before and after exposure during the training process. Independent medical and veterinary professionals and senior SPCA officials also conducted and supervised blood tests.

Laboratory scientists preparing the training aids in Braveheart’s laboratory, the facilitator and assessor, and six dogs were part of the scientific protocol to assess the safety of the process. After the training, clinical evaluations were conducted on both the humans and dogs involved in the research and training process.

The analysis report, as provided by an independent laboratory, confirms the safety of researched methods in training dogs and humans.

The process

“Serum samples were tested using high-performance liquid chromatography (LC) attached to a tandem mass spectrometer (MS/MS) for the detection of AMB-Fubinaca, Fentanyl and 4-Chlorodimethylcathinone (4-CDC). The analytes of interest were extracted from the serum using a dilution approach and buffered solvents to maintain the correct pH.

The extracted samples were injected into the LC-MS/MS system to detect and quantify (if present) the analytes mentioned above. LC-MS/MS is a technique used by analytical chemists to separate, identify, and quantify specific compounds that can exist in complex mixtures. It is considered the gold standard of techniques for accurate bio-analytical-based analysis.


Basically, the samples will be pushed through an HPLC column by the movement of solvent, resulting in chromatographic separation. The compounds will separate on the column due to their polarity or size and then be detected by the mass spectra. Mass spectrometry is a detection method that relies on the mass-to-charge ratio of a compound. Each compound has a distinct pattern regarding its mass and charge, thus allowing the MS to be highly selective. This selectivity increases due to the additional MS (hence MS/MS), increasing ionisation capacity and accuracy.

The serum samples were spiked at a pre-defined concentration with the analytes and tested to ensure the analytes were detected. A limit of detection (lowest concentration that can be detected by the method) of 0.5 ug/L (parts per billion) was achieved. Hence, no tested samples with analytes were present above the detection limit.”

Optimal results achieved

The result of this scientific breakthrough by Braveheart Bio-Dog Academy is effective and has safe training for both humans and dogs, and can be used to train both dogs and handlers to identify synthetic narcotics accurately.

SMART Security Solutions will expand on this news from Braveheart in Issue 1 2025.

For more information, contact Braveheart Bio-Dog Academy, +27 12 734 4733, [email protected], www.braveheart.co.za




Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page



Further reading:

Hytera supports communication upgrade for Joburg
News & Events Infrastructure Government and Parastatal (Industry)
By equipping Johannesburg’s metro police and emergency services with multimode radios which integrate TETRA and LTE networks, Hytera is bridging coverage gaps and improving response times across the city.

Read more...
Your Wi-Fi router is about to start watching you
News & Events Surveillance Security Services & Risk Management
Advanced algorithms are able to analyse your Wi-Fi signals and create a representation of your movements, turning your home's Wi-Fi into a motion detection and personal identification system.

Read more...
South African fire standards in a nutshell
Fire & Safety Editor's Choice Training & Education
The importance of compliant fire detection systems and proper fire protection cannot be overstated, especially for businesses. Statistics reveal that 44% of businesses fail to reopen after a fire.

Read more...
POPIA non-compliance puts municipalities at risk
Information Security Government and Parastatal (Industry)
Digital responsibility must go beyond POPIA compliance to recognising that privacy and service delivery are fundamentally linked. Despite this, only 51 out of 257 municipalities submitted their mandatory data protection and access to information reports in 2024.

Read more...
LidarVision for substation security
Fire & Safety Government and Parastatal (Industry) Editor's Choice
EG.D supplies electricity to 2,7 million people in the southern regions of the Czech Republic, on the borders of Austria and Germany. The company operates and maintains infrastructure, including power lines and high-voltage transformer substations.

Read more...
Standards for fire detection
Fire & Safety Associations Editor's Choice
In previous articles in the series on fire standards, Nick Collins discussed SANS 10400-T and SANS 10139. In this editorial, he continues with SANS 322 – Fire Detection and Alarm Systems for Hospitals.

Read more...
Wildfires: a growing global threat
Editor's Choice Fire & Safety
Regulatory challenges and litigation related to wildfire liabilities are on the rise, necessitating robust risk management strategies and well-documented wildfire management plans. Technological innovations are enhancing detection and suppression capabilities.

Read more...
Firexpo 2025 ignites interest in fire safety
Fire & Safety News & Events
Firexpo 2025 showcased fire detection, suppression, and safety tech, drawing professionals eager to explore innovations, gain insights, and connect with suppliers.

Read more...
SMARTpod talks to Sophos and Phishield
SMART Security Solutions Technews Publishing Sophos Videos Information Security News & Events
SMARTpod recently spoke with Pieter Nel, Sales Director for SADC at Sophos, and Sarel Lamprecht, MD at Phishield, about ransomware and their new cyber insurance partnership.

Read more...
Cybersecurity and insurance partnership for sub-Saharan Africa
Sophos News & Events Information Security Security Services & Risk Management
Sophos and Phishield Announce first-of-its-kind cybersecurity and insurance partnership for sub-Saharan Africa. The SMARTpod podcast, discussing the deal and the state of ransomware in South Africa and globally, is now also available.

Read more...










While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd. | All Rights Reserved.