BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Local K-9 units have just received certification to be able to detect fentanyl.

Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Deb Slater says the sheriff and Bellingham Police (BPD) have some of the first fentanyl-detection certified K-9 units in the state.

The three teams—two from the sheriff and one from BPD—joined Marysville Police and Anacortes Police in attending and passing training on Sept. 15.

Sheriff Donnell “Tank” Tanksley said in a statement that the certification is part of their ongoing efforts to battle the opioid epidemic and promote public safety.

The certification comes from a new state law that went into effect in June requiring K-9 units to be able to detect fentanyl under new standards.

Bellingham Police Chief Rebecca Mertzig said her statement that she is proud of the regional K-9 handlers for getting certified so quickly.