25 September2014

New Customs dog graduates

Comptroller of Customs Carolyn Tremain congratulated Customs’ newest detector dog team at a graduation ceremony at the Police Dog Training Centre in Trentham today.

Customs Officer Daniel Evans and drug detector dog Dirk took up their post in Auckland in June following an intensive training programme.

“It’s great to recognise their hard work and the completion of the training programme”, says Carolyn. “This occasion marks the beginning of a Customs career for detector dog Dirk and the opportunity for both Daniel and Dirk to put their new skills into action.”

“Detector dogs play a vital role in Customs work. They help stop illegal drugs from being smuggled into the country and reaching our communities. They also contribute to disrupting criminal networks by sniffing out large amounts of cash being moved across our border.”

Customs Officer Daniel Evans says when he started his training he was told that the job has its highs and lows but he wouldn't change a thing.

“Each find seems to boost Dirk’s confidence, which doesn't seem to have a limit!”

Customs detector dogs are sourced from the Australian Customs and Border Protection’s breeding centre in Melbourne and trained by Customs officers in Auckland.

Customs newest canine recruit, a black Labrador named Flame, arrived a few weeks ago from Australia and has just started her training with handler Customs Officer Andrew Merrick.

“We look forward to seeing Flame’s progress over the coming months,” Ms Tremain says.

-ends-

© Scoop Media