Press Release

His Majesty’s Customs
Topics: 
Customs
Release Date:
Friday, 13 September 2024 - 1:22pm

His Majesty’s Customs honoured the achievements of its K9 Unit and its handlers at a graduation ceremony earlier this week.

The handlers honoured for their dedication and success were Olympia Maduro-Fahie, B'Jorn Caleb, and Shavique Barzey. The K9s acknowledged during the ceremony included Gunner, who has been recertified to continue his valuable service, as well as the newly trained Ace and Duece.

Acting Commissioner Mr. Greg Romney said the ceremony held September 11 underscored a pivotal milestone in the department's ongoing initiative to elevate and rejuvenate its K9 Unit.

Mr. Romney said, "The Department of Customs is pleased to announce the rebirth of our K9 Unit. This unit is an integral part of the department's fight against the importation of illicit goods into the territory. H.M. Customs is committed to stopping/disrupting any and all channels used to breach our border security.”

Mr. Romney added, “The introduction of two new K9s, Ace and Duece, coupled with the recertification of the seasoned K9 Gunner, represents a substantial enhancement of the unit's operational capabilities. With these advancements, all K9s are now impeccably trained and fully prepared to bolster the effectiveness of Customs operations.”

Financial Secretary Mr. Jeremiah Frett stated that the addition of the two new K9s will significantly enhance the department’s ability to protect the Territory’s orders and to assist greatly in keeping it safe.

Mr. Frett said, “These highly trained K-9 officers, are specifically bred and trained to detect contraband, narcotics, explosives, and will assist in human apprehension. With their keen sense of smell, these dogs can detect substances that are nearly impossible for humans to identify.”

The Financial Secretary added, “I would like to thank “Pure Dogz” for their dedication in training these exceptional dogs and their handlers. Their hard work and expertise have ensured that the K-9 Unit is ready to serve and protect.”

This rigorous three-week training programme was conducted by Instructor Keron Pole of Pure Dogs K9 Services. The training encompassed both theoretical and practical elements, with a focus on essential skills such as narcotics detection and bite apprehension.

His Majesty’s is committed to securing national borders and facilitating lawful trade by enforcing import regulations and preventing the entry of illicit goods.

His Majesty’s Customs honoured the achievements of its K9 Unit and its handlers at a graduation ceremony earlier this week.

The handlers honoured for their dedication and success were Olympia Maduro-Fahie, B'Jorn Caleb, and Shavique Barzey. The K9s acknowledged during the ceremony included Gunner, who has been recertified to continue his valuable service, as well as the newly trained Ace and Duece.

Acting Commissioner Mr. Greg Romney said the ceremony held September 11 underscored a pivotal milestone in the department's ongoing initiative to elevate and rejuvenate its K9 Unit.

Mr. Romney said, "The Department of Customs is pleased to announce the rebirth of our K9 Unit. This unit is an integral part of the department's fight against the importation of illicit goods into the territory. H.M. Customs is committed to stopping/disrupting any and all channels used to breach our border security.”

Mr. Romney added, “The introduction of two new K9s, Ace and Duece, coupled with the recertification of the seasoned K9 Gunner, represents a substantial enhancement of the unit's operational capabilities. With these advancements, all K9s are now impeccably trained and fully prepared to bolster the effectiveness of Customs operations.”

Financial Secretary Mr. Jeremiah Frett stated that the addition of the two new K9s will significantly enhance the department’s ability to protect the Territory’s orders and to assist greatly in keeping it safe.

Mr. Frett said, “These highly trained K-9 officers, are specifically bred and trained to detect contraband, narcotics, explosives, and will assist in human apprehension. With their keen sense of smell, these dogs can detect substances that are nearly impossible for humans to identify.”

The Financial Secretary added, “I would like to thank “Pure Dogz” for their dedication in training these exceptional dogs and their handlers. Their hard work and expertise have ensured that the K-9 Unit is ready to serve and protect.”

This rigorous three-week training programme was conducted by Instructor Keron Pole of Pure Dogs K9 Services. The training encompassed both theoretical and practical elements, with a focus on essential skills such as narcotics detection and bite apprehension.

His Majesty’s Customs is committed to securing national borders and facilitating lawful trade by enforcing import regulations and preventing the entry of illicit goods.

 

Author

Sonjé Greenidge

Information Officer II
Department of Information and Public Relations (GIS)
Telephone: 468-2742
Email: SGreenidge@gov.vg