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Customs beefs up security with the introduction of Canine Unit

BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, OCTOBER 27TH 2009 (CUOPM) – Border Security rises to a new level with the introduction of a Customs Canine Unit.

Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Rodney Harris, said the Unit has been established to provide greater efficiency in the processing of legitimate cargo and passengers.

“This will give the department a clear cut advantage in both identifying potential threats regarding illicit imports of firearms, ammunition and narcotics while at the same time reduce the clearance times on legitimate low risk shipments. This directly impacts our ability to achieve our mandates of Border Security and the facilitation of International Trade,” said Mr. Harris.

He said that the primary objective of setting up the unit is to use Drug Detector Dogs to supplement the physical checks and scanning techniques currently in use in the fight against Narcotics, Firearms and Terrorism.

Mr. Harris disclosed that two Labrador Retriever detector dogs (one narcotic & one firearm) were acquired and are currently supplementing the physical and scanning checks at the Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport, the Sea Ports and the Post Office.

Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Mr. Georid Belle said four officers have been taught canine nutrition and basic dog care by veterinarians.

“They also learn how to read the ‘alert’ their dog will raise when drugs have been scented. For most of the handlers, it’s their first time as dog officers. The dogs are taught to detect drugs like heroin, cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy, and methamphetamines. In future we may acquire dogs that are taught to detect currency, which can tip authorities off to smuggling activity,” said Mr. Belle.

He said that the trainers begin by scenting towels with narcotics odors and having the dogs retrieve them.

“Eventually, they begin to place the odor in sealed containers, and train the dogs to seek it out. Advanced training includes work on conveyor belts at airports, general cargo, sweeps of the warehouses as well as the air and seaport compounds,” said Mr. Belle.

KOPS Kennels in St. Thomas have been contracted to provide the Canines. KOPS President Mr. Paris Nicholson III said the company has been providing training and the maintenance of service dogs for over 28 years.