Keelung Customs (KLC) stated that drug detector dogs are important forces when it comes to drug anti-smuggling at the borders; they also help protect the health of the citizens and the safety of the society. Drug detector dogs and the handlers always have their own special memories. KLC would like to introduce the stories between Pablo, a drug detector dog, and his handler, Lars. Their stories are meant to help citizens understand the hard works behind drug detector dogs and the deep bond they share with their handlers. They team up to conduct drug anti-smuggling to show zero tolerance for drugs in the society.

“We knew we belong to each other when we first met.” Said handler Lars who recalled how thrilled he was when he first met Pablo at the Detector Dog Breeding and Training Center after he just passed the handler tryout. Pablo was actually from Australia; he came to Taiwan as Customs Administration and Australia Customs forged a cooperation program including detector dog breeding and training. In contrast to the challenging adjustment period for newly paired detector dog and the handler, Lars and Pablo hit it off the moment they met. They demonstrated perfect chemistry from basic olfactory training to anti-smuggling mission in the fields. What’s better, during their 5-year partnership, they once cracked down on a case of 300 kilograms drug smuggling while on duty. “I was really proud of him at that moment,” said Lars, “we’d gone through tons of scent picture training, game rewards, and development, and these finally kicked in. That feeling in my heart was indescribable.” In addition to the outstanding anti-smuggling performances, Pablo was always the popular one when other governmental agencies or schools paid visits to KLC. Every time our guests saw how adorable Pablo was coming back and forth between cargoes to demonstrate anti-smuggling operations, they were desperate to take photos with him. Such therapeutic forces always bring warmth and joy to the serious inspection fields.

KLC explained that detector dogs are Labrador Retrievers, a breed with high IQ and stable disposition. The training environment for them must be altered constantly in order to sustain their keen sense of olfactory and passion. For handlers, it is not only training but also a long-term company and bond. After several years of services, as Pablo grew older and his energy declined, he took a glorious retirement as it is set for detector dogs and was adopted by Lars. He then turned from a hero combating drug smuggling into the warmest companion and family. “He’s just like my brother.” Said Lars with an emotional tone. Several years ago, Pablo passed away peacefully at the age of 11. Lars held a warm ritual to bid farewell to his loyal partner, showing his last wishes and respects.

KLC emphasized that the life of a drug detector dog symbolizes dedication, profession, and loyalty. These dogs do not understand borders or laws, but they understand their mission—to protect. The silent protection is the softest yet the strongest force on the border. KLC hopes that the stories of detector dogs can raise public awareness of drug-related issues, and encourage more people to support anti-drug efforts and create a drug-free homeland.