New detector dog capability planned for Fiji

New Zealand Customs and Police and Fijian authorities have started a programme to set up a detector dog unit in Fiji.

Representatives from the New Zealand agencies met with Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority and the Fiji Police Force in Suva last week to discuss a training programme that will focus on border security.

Chief Customs Officer Detector Dog Training, Dave Huff says NZ Customs and Police will advise on delivery of training to Fiji’s detector dog unit which will contribute to enhancing the security of both countries.

Combatting drug trafficking is a priority for all agencies involved and introducing drug detector dogs in Fiji will strengthen border security in the Pacific to target illicit drug trade through cross-border efforts. Detector dogs at the border will show criminals that Fiji is not a transit point or destination for their unlawful activities.

Last December, Fijian Customs and Police intercepted a shipment of 29.9 kilograms of heroin arriving from Thailand. In a separate incident last February 20.5 kilograms of cocaine was found in the luggage of a traveller arriving from South America.

Rob Hitchings Project Manager for Police said the interceptions reinforce the need for further narcotic detection in the region.

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