The narcotics phase is open to K9's trained exclusively for drug detection and K9's which are cross trained for protection and drug detection.  This phase is designed to test both the K9's ability to locate concealed drugs and the handlers ability to observe his K9 and recognize the K9's alerts.  In an effort to separate the top K9's, a time limit is established to force the teams to work quickly in the search area and to apply some pressure on the handler.  Prior to the search, competing teams do not know the type or number of concealed finds.  Teams may be required to search vehicles, a building or packages during the search.  Distractions may be hidden in the search area to test the K9's level of focus on the assigned task.  Due to the nature of this competition it is generally not open to the public.