The place where dogs are trained to detect narcotics, prohibited substances and currencies of the General Directorate of Customs, an agency dependent on AFIP, reached the recognition by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to be the Regional Dog Training Center.
The news comes from a communication from the WCO Regional Vice-Presidency after holding a virtual meeting with thirty directors of customs administrations on Monday (16.11.2020).
The Argentine initiative to incorporate detection dogs into customs control tasks dates back to 2004. It was then that AFIP began the process of modernizing customs management following the guidelines of the WCO's SAFE Regulatory Framework, according to information on the tax agency's website.
Later, in 2012, the AFIP inaugurated the Canine Breeding Unit (UNICRIA). This is a model breeding facility, located in the Province of Buenos Aires, which provides the specimens that will later participate in control tasks.
UNICRIA also has a Genetic Improvement Program. The initiative seeks to determine the quality of the animals involved in the reproduction process, as well as the growing specimens. In this way, a key aspect is guaranteed to achieve greater efficiency in the management of detector dogs.
Since the establishment of this model kennel for its own dogs and the Federal Administration K9 Training Center, Argentina has approximately 300 dogs trained in the detection of narcotics, prohibited substances and foreign currency.
Thus, our country's experience in the matter was internationally recognized to be the OMA Regional Canine Training Center., particularly during challenging periods like the one the world is currently going through.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
