His Majesty’s Customs Celebrates K9 Unit’s Success in Boosting Border Security

His Majesty’s Customs recognised the achievements of its K9 Unit and their handlers during a graduation ceremony earlier this week, celebrating both newly trained and veteran team members in their efforts to enhance border security.

The ceremony honoured handlers Olympia Maduro-Fahie, B’Jorn Caleb, and Shavique Barzey for their dedication and success. The K9s acknowledged included Gunner, who has been recertified, and two newly trained dogs, Ace and Duece.

Acting Commissioner Greg Romney highlighted the event, held on 11 September, as a significant milestone in the department’s ongoing effort to strengthen and rejuvenate its K9 Unit. “The Department of Customs is pleased to announce the rebirth of our K9 Unit,” Romney said. “This unit plays a crucial role in our fight against the importation of illicit goods. We are committed to disrupting any channels that threaten our border security.”

Romney emphasised that the addition of Ace and Duece, alongside the recertified Gunner, significantly enhances the unit’s operational capabilities. “With these advancements, all K9s are now impeccably trained and fully prepared to bolster the effectiveness of Customs operations,” he added.

Financial Secretary Jeremiah Frett also praised the unit’s expansion, noting that the newly trained dogs would enhance the department’s ability to protect the territory’s borders. “These highly trained K9 officers are specifically bred to detect contraband, narcotics, explosives, and assist in human apprehension,” Frett stated. “Their keen sense of smell allows them to detect substances that are nearly impossible for humans to identify.”

Frett expressed gratitude to “Pure Dogz” for their role in training both the dogs and their handlers, ensuring that the K9 Unit is prepared to serve and protect. The rigorous three-week training programme, led by Instructor Keron Pole of Pure Dogs K9 Services, covered both theoretical and practical elements, with a focus on narcotics detection and bite apprehension.

His Majesty’s Customs reaffirmed its commitment to securing national borders and supporting lawful trade by enforcing import regulations and preventing the entry of illicit goods.