Police from the Divisional Response Unit descended on Bendigo Railway Station shortly before 3pm, spending time on the platform before boarding the 3.12pm service bound for Melbourne.

Police said that within minutes of his arrival, nine-year-old labrador Trakka had nabbed a 15-year-old boy carrying almost 50 grams of cannabis.

Yesterday evening the youth was charged with trafficking, possessing, and using the drug.

Police say while they were not surprised by the find, the quick result was promising.

“We’d only just started, so it’s a good result,’’ a DRU spokesman said.

Leading Senior Constable Andrew Adams controls Trakka, and said the animal was his most experienced police dog.

Based in Melbourne, Senior Constable Adams said he and Trakka worked throughout the state.

He admitted Trakka didn’t work alone, and relied heavily on police powers of observation.

“Body language is a big part of what we do - watching what’s going on up ahead,’’ he said.

“If you see someone trying to avoid you, chances are he’s showing a bit of guilt,’’ Senior Constable Adams said.

Officers spent the rest of the afternoon and evening on the train, with several additional positive finds.

Police said that shortly after 5.30pm a 32-year-old Brunswick man was arrested after officers found eight grams of cannabis in his possession at Kyneton station.

A DRU spokesman said feedback from commuters had been positive.

“They’re very very supportive because they’ve experienced poor behaviour on the trains in the past couple of weeks, so they’re happy to see this,’’ he said.

DRU officers are warning that the operation targeting illicit drugs on the train network will continue.