Buenos Aires, Argentina, hosted the Regional Canine Training Workshop for Fentanyl Detection, aimed at the Latin American and Caribbean region, which took place from October 21 to November 1, 2024. The World Customs Organization (WCO) organized the activity within the framework of a training program based on the methodology train-the-trainer (training of trainers), as reported on Monday (24.02.2025) in a statement.
The initiative, funded by the United States Government, aimed to strengthen the capacities of member countries in the fight against the growing threat of fentanyl.
Customs play a key role in securing and facilitating global trade. To achieve this goal, it is essential to use non-intrusive control methods, such as the use of anti-narcotics dogs, which allow the inspection of merchandise intended for import or export without affecting the fluidity of commercial operations.
In this regard, the event was held at the WCO Regional Canine Training Center (RDTC) in Buenos Aires, as part of the Synthetic Drug Detection Project (WCO-INL SDDP). During For two weeks, customs force teams participated in an intensive workshop where they received specialized training to optimize fentanyl detection through the use of trained dogs.
In the first week, an expert instructor from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) provided key knowledge and techniques for effective identification of the substance. In the second week, participants applied what they learned and trained local canine teams under the instructor's supervision.
According to the OMA, the program included the participation of dog trainers from six countries in the region:Argentina, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Paraguay, Peru and Trinidad and Tobago. As a result, Argentine Customs successfully trained 10 canine teams specialized in fentanyl detection.
This activity represents "significant progress in regional cooperation and preparedness against the fentanyl threat," the WCO stressed, reaffirming its commitment and that of its member countries to combat drug trafficking and strengthen border security.
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