Canine cadets recruited to sniff out potential hazards

SHANGHAI: Police here have begun using sniffer dogs at subway stations in a bid to increase passenger safety ahead of the Olympics.

With traveler numbers expected to increase dramatically on the approach to the Games, about 40 dogs will be used across the city to sniff out flammable products, such as oil-based paints and firecrackers, which could pose safety risks, police said.

On March 28, the first day the dogs were used, more than 70 passengers were found to be carrying forbidden items, mostly fireworks, police said.