Troop NOLA K9 Dax Leads To Arrests Across New Orleans

Louisiana State Police K-9 credited with locating suspects, uncovering drugs and firearms in multiple cases

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:26pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a police K-9 dog's paw print in the dirt, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the investigative work of a specialized police canine unit.A specialized Louisiana State Police K-9 unit has been instrumental in making arrests and seizing drugs across New Orleans in recent days.New Orleans Today

A Louisiana State Police K-9 named Dax has been instrumental in helping Troop NOLA, a specialized unit embedded in New Orleans, make several arrests this week. Dax located four suspects in a Central City shooting, assisted in traffic stops that led to the recovery of firearms, illegal prescription pills, and narcotics, and helped track down a suspect who tried to flee a Bartholomew Street stop where crack cocaine, marijuana, oxycodone, and drug paraphernalia were seized.

Why it matters

The success of K-9 Dax and Troop NOLA highlights the value of specialized police units and canine teams in addressing crime and drug activity in New Orleans neighborhoods. The unit's proactive approach and ability to quickly locate suspects and evidence has led to a high number of arrests and seizures in its first year, which officials say has had a meaningful impact on public safety.

The details

According to reports, Dax first helped troopers track down four people wanted in connection with a shooting on Philip Street in Central City, finding two suspects hiding under homes and leading investigators to two additional people. Multiple firearms were recovered during this operation. Dax then assisted in a traffic stop at N. Galvez Street and Franklin Avenue after a driver refused to pull over, leading to the discovery of multiple illegal prescription pills. The K-9 was called in again at a Bartholomew Street stop, where officers recovered crack cocaine, marijuana, oxycodone pills and drug paraphernalia, and arrested a suspect who tried to flee.

  • On April 1, 2026, Dax helped troopers locate four suspects in a Central City shooting.
  • On April 2, 2026, Dax assisted in a traffic stop at N. Galvez Street and Franklin Avenue that led to an arrest and drug seizure.
  • On April 3, 2026, Dax was called in to a Bartholomew Street stop that resulted in an arrest and the recovery of drugs and drug paraphernalia.

The players

Troop NOLA

A specialized Louisiana State Police unit embedded in New Orleans, launched in March 2024 to conduct proactive patrols, traffic enforcement, and intelligence-led investigations.

K-9 Dax

A Louisiana State Police K-9 assigned to Troop NOLA, credited with helping locate suspects and uncover evidence in multiple cases across New Orleans this week.

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What they’re saying

“K‑9 Dax continues to prove why he's one of the best. Fearless, focused, and always ready to serve.”

— Troop NOLA

What’s next

The investigations tied to these recent arrests remain active, and Troop NOLA is asking anyone with information to submit tips through the Louisiana State Police reporting system or contact the troop's public affairs office.

The takeaway

The success of K-9 Dax and Troop NOLA demonstrates the value of specialized police units and canine teams in addressing crime and drug activity in New Orleans neighborhoods. Their proactive approach and ability to quickly locate suspects and evidence has led to a high number of arrests and seizures, which officials say has had a meaningful impact on public safety in the city.