To preserve the physical and mental well-being of citizens and enhance the capacity for drug detection at the border, Keelung Customs (KLC) has expanded its detector dog team from 9 to 11 units, adding 2 new detector dogs, Belle and Gavin, to the team. The new canines will undergo a 6-month internship upon completion of their training; led by experienced handlers, the canines will familiarize themselves with various customs clearance environments and strengthen their basic abilities. Leveraging the keen olfactory senses and mobility of detector dogs, this expansion aims to effectively combat drug smuggling and establish the team as an elite force in border drug interdiction.

KLC emphasized that in addition to supporting the various customs clearance units upon request, the detector dog team also independently examines manifests to target high-risk cargos and conducts investigation and seizure. The team has been involved in multiple successful drug smuggling interdictions throughout the years, and the performances have been outstanding, resulting in a total seizure of approximately 8 metric tons of drugs. The addition of these new members in the border drug interdiction serves as a valuable asset, strengthening the overall drug detection capabilities of Customs.

KLC further indicated that not only handlers will continue undergoing professional training and apply risk management to border drug interdiction, but also Detector Dog Breeding and Training Center, Customs Administration will keep training more highly-skilled canines to join the force. Through cross-agency collaboration and participation in anti-drug advocacy activities, Customs can achieve the goal of preventing drugs from being imported, thereby maintaining social order and safeguarding the well-being of the citizens. For more information, please contact Inspection Division, KLC at (02)24202951 ext. 1121.