The Magnolia Police Department (MPD) K-9 unit has received certification for narcotics detection.

Foust, a 2-year-old German Shepherd, is able to detect methamphetamines, cocaine, marijuana and heroin. After training and testing, he is now certified through the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA).

Pictured, MPD K-9 Foust and Sgt. Eric Silliman.

Foust began training more than seven months ago. He is strictly a narcotics dog.

K-9 units are taught that finding narcotics is the same concept as finding a toy. Sgt. Eric Silliman said Foust is a natural success.

“He is very successful on when and how to be alert,” Silliman said. “His drive for that toy is a big factor.”

Originally, Foust was being trained to smell cocaine and marijuana. Silliman said he began to naturally smell methamphetamines and heroin.

NNDDA allows departments to certify its K-9 units in the detection of only cocaine and marijuana. However, Silliman decided Foust should be certified in the detection of all four narcotics, because he had shown to be such a natural.

“The dog really proved himself,” Police Chief Domingo Ibarra said.

According to Silliman, typically K-9 unit can cost more than $50,000 with the dog costing around $12,000, the vehicle costing $30,000, in addition to, maintenance and training costs.

Silliman had been interested in a K-9 unit for the department for many months, but knew the department lacked the funds for the program. He began researching ways to get a K-9 in an affordable way.

Foust was donated to MPD from a local resident about seven months ago.

MPD already had a vehicle, but lacked the interior kennel. The Bryan Police Department donated a kennel and a local automotive shop installed it inside the vehicle at no cost. Silliman said that saved MPD about $2,500.

Montgomery Police Officer Michael Bellard also agreed to help train Foust. Silliman said Bellard did 90 percent of the training.

“The community helped us get started,” Silliman said. “There are a lot of good animal lovers out there.”

Silliman willingly trained Foust on his own time and expressed that Foust became his partner and friend.

Silliman is hoping to showcase Foust more often such as at school events. Foust will also begin training in human tracking.

At its regular meeting Feb. 8, the Magnolia City Council voted to amend a city ordinance to create a budget for the K-9 unit. The city authorized annual funding of $2,500 for Foust.

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