How MHP’s K9 Division Makes a Big Impact Across Montana

Since 2013 the Montana Highway Patrol has been able to fight the war on drugs with an added division to the patrol; the MHP K9 Division.  They are tasked with the job to "exemplify dedication, discipline, and tireless effort" while taking down criminals.

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But just how effective are those units in keeping our highways, counties and cities safe from criminal activity?

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How MHP's K9 Division Makes a Big Impact Across Montana

The Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) K9 unit consists of "nine K9 teams, and four K9 trainers who participate in group trainings throughout the year to maintain their professionalism and performance standards".

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Every year the individual K9 handlers and their dog participate in twice a year training, for "national certification standards to ensure operational proficiency".

Impressive Numbers Include Narcotics, Explosives and Criminals Taken Down

In new numbers and data released by the MHP, the K9 Division had an amazing year keeping Montana residents safe.  In 2025, the K9 unit had 443 training sessions statewide, completing a total of 1,756 hours of training.

The teams also conducted 222 deployments, including 158 narcotics deployments, 26 explosives deployments, and 36 patrol deployments.  Of those deployments, highlights of seizures include:

• Methamphetamine: 69.8 lbs
• Heroin: 2.6 oz
• Cocaine: 5.3 lbs
• Marijuana: 272 lbs
• Hashish: 57 lbs
• Ecstasy: 10 g
• Fentanyl pills: 2,410
• Fentanyl powder: 1.5 lbs
• Psilocybin: 6.1 lbs
• Illicit money: $161,154
• Firearms: 11