The Nose Knows: DEA"s Canine Training Materials Program, Registration and Safety

This course provides canine agencies with a comprehensive overview of the DEA’s Canine Materials Program, which supports training with six narcotics: crack cocaine, cocaine HCL, black tar heroin, heroin HCL, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Attendees will learn how to apply for, obtain, and maintain a DEA registration, as well as how to submit complete and accurate requests for training materials.

Wednesday
,
Aug 26, 2026
8:00 am
-
10:00 am
Instructor(s):
Gabriele Mangold
Michelle McGregor
Tom Duncan
View full class scheduleRegister for HITS 2026
Dog sniffing truck bed
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Class overview

This course provides canine agencies with a comprehensive overview of the DEA’s Canine Materials Program, which supports training with six narcotics: crack cocaine, cocaine HCL, black tar heroin, heroin HCL, methamphetamine, and marijuana. Attendees will learn how to apply for, obtain, and maintain a DEA registration, as well as how to submit complete and accurate requests for training materials.

 

Participants will also gain insight into how the DEA acquires, tests, manufactures, and distributes these materials to ensure quality and consistency. Additionally, the course will cover essential fentanyl safety practices, including proper handling, exposure prevention, and risk mitigation in both training and operational environments.

This session explains:

What odors DEA can provide

How to Apply, Obtain and Maintain a DEA Registration

How to Submit Complete and Accurate requests for training materials.

How DEA Acquires, Tests, Manufactures, and Distributes Training Materials.

Fentanyl Safety Practices

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About the instructor

Gabriele Mangold

Gabi Mangold is a Program Analyst with four years of experience at the DEA and in the Caine Program, specializing in program management, compliance, and cross-agency coordination. She began her career in education and special programs, shaping her people-centered and solutions-oriented approach to her work.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Integrative Studies from George Mason University and is passionate about improving systems, fostering collaboration, and driving meaningful organizational impact. Outside of work, she enjoys coaching competitive cheer, spending time with her family and training her German Shepherd.

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About the instructor

Michelle McGregor

Michelle McGregor is a Supervisory Investigator with Drug Enforcement Administration. She has been in the law enforcement profession for over 30 years stemming from her beginnings with the Little Rock Police Department in Little Rock, Arkansas.  In her current DEA role, she is the Unit Chief of the Registration and Processing Operations Unit in the Registration and Business Operations Section in DEA Headquarters which includes the overseeing of the DEA Canine Program.  Unit Chief McGregor is experience in investigations in preventing the illegal distribution of controlled substances and listed chemicals from the legitimate channel into the illicit market.

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About the instructor

Tom Duncan

Tom Duncan is a Supervisory Chemist at the Drug Enforcement Administration Special Testing and Research Laboratory.  Dr. Duncan began his career with DEA in 2002.  Originally, he served as a forensic chemist conducting methamphetamine research for the Methamphetamine Profiling Program.  In 2006, Dr. Duncan was promoted to the position of supervisor.  Dr. Duncan currently supervises the Reference Materials Program, the Method Development and Technology Transfer Team, the Enforcement Group, and the chemists responsible for fulfilling orders for the Canine Team.

Dr. Duncan graduated from Frostburg State University in 1996 with bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and chemistry.  In 2002, Dr. Duncan earned his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of South Carolina.

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What past attendees say

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Go to HITS. It's a great class. Great conference. This is the third one that I've been to. I try and go every time. They change up the classes. It's offered for detection and apprehension or patrol canines. All the classes are great. You should definitely check it out. I'm going to try and come back next year.

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Greg Edlund
Broward Sheriff Office

Hi, this is Brian Laas. I'm from Arvada, Colorado. This is about my second or third time with HITS, and I've enjoyed it greatly. I like the vast amount of instructors' backgrounds, so even though I've come once or twice before, I'm always gaining a lot of knowledge. This is a great seminar for both the new and the old handlers. I think you can't go wrong coming here. It's a good time and well-spent money for your department.

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Brian Laas
Arvada Police Department

Hi, my name is Neil with U.S. Park Police. This is the first time I ever attend HITS and it's great training. A lot of different courses that definitely benefit my career. I've been a handler for 14 years now. I'm still learning and I recommend people to come down here and learn something.

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Neil
US Park Police

Been to hits a couple times, keeps getting better every time. This year it's been amazing, a lot of people, a lot of great classes, great camaraderie between all the agencies here. It's a good time, I highly recommend it.

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Unknown Attendee

Hi, Mark with BCBK9 here at HITS 2017, lets you know what a success it was. Tons of handlers, tons of great classes. We're really glad that we drove all the way out from Missouri and we're looking forward to 2018 being in DC and we hope to see you all there.

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Mark
BCB K9

Yeah, this is my first time it hits. It was a great time. Actually, I've been to a lot of conferences before. This is definitely the best.

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Attendee
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Secure your seat at HITS 2026

Legal defensibility is not theoretical. It is tested in court.

This class helps handlers and agencies prepare before that moment arrives.

Register for HITS 2026
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Explore other HITS classes

The Drug Canine Legal Update is one part of a broader HITS program designed to strengthen deployment judgment, detection reliability, and operational decision-making in the field. Additional sessions expand that learning across tracking, behavior, detection science, and tactical leadership.

View full class schedule
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