Celebrating the training of active teams was the motto of the event organized this Thursday (23.02.2023) by the Argentine Customs. The awards of the day highlighted the fulfillment of customs control tasks by the teams made up of the dogs Lola, Sarah, China, Emma, León, Chola, Fili, Floky, Baxy, Rose, Moike and Urco.
The General Directorate of Customs (DGA) has the Central School in Boulogne (Buenos Aires) where the Federal Administration K-9 Training Center operates, currently made up of 122 active pairs (guides and dogs). These facilities have been certified by the World Customs Organization (WCO) as a Regional Canine Training Center. There, diez Outstanding Action Awards 2022, of the recognitions to the trajectory in the same period y six dogs graduated from school.
These canine units have gained prominence as non-intrusive operational tools available and have become indispensable in the performance of Customs functions. Guillermo Michel, Director General of Customs, He said: “Each guide and each dog represents less drugs that entered Argentina, less currency that was smuggled out. We always aim to protect national employment, the national industry and, perhaps in a lesser-known aspect of our work, to attack drug trafficking.” He highlighted the State policy that the Argentine Customs has carried out with respect to dogs. “This task gained strength in 2009-2010 and was deepened in 2015, when these facilities were inaugurated,” he said.
Special mention: outstanding actions
Lola was awarded for its outstanding action in 2022.The animal detected 3,7 kg of fentanyl in the section courier from Ezeiza International Airport. The substance was presented in the form of pills that simulated a protein vitamin supplement. Lola marked the shipment and the Customs reactive tests did the rest.
China received the distinction for having detected $121.600 hidden in the spare tire of a car at the Buquebus Terminal.
Emma, For his part, he found a collection of old banknotes and coins with pieces of notable historical value, such as a series of Ukrainian and German banknotes dating from the years of the Second World War, used in the prisoner camps of the Nazi regime.
Lion He was awarded for having discovered approximately 70 kg of cocaine in the double bottom of the bed of a motor home at the Zárate vehicle terminal, on a ship that had also arrived in Zárate.
Chola he found 57 kg of cocaine in a fire truck.
Cable he found 46,8 kg of cocaine-base paste on the axles of a cargo truck during a procedure at the Posadas-Encarnación International Border Crossing (Misiones).
For its part, Baxy discovered 31,8 kg of the same substance in Clorinda (Formosa).
Floky found 47,5 kg of marijuana in the double bottom of a BMW X6 in Puerto Iguazú (Misones).
Rose received the award for having found 8.200.000 pesos in a car that was trying to cross into Chile in the south of our country. The money was in a compartment added to the top of the glove compartment.
Moke detected 3,1 kg of marijuana in a package during a roadblock in the province of Salta.
Special mention for career
Meanwhile, Sarah and Urco were awarded in recognition of their career in 2022.
Graduation Recognition
Likewise, Scott, Molly, Tango, Ramon, Floyd and Pora They received diplomas from the dog reassignment course. They will go to destinations such as Comodoro Rivadavia, Ezeiza and Bahía Blanca.
It is important to highlight that these positive results in customs control are due to the Argentine Customs Dog Program, whose canine teams receive training in high-quality facilities, including general kennels and kennels for recovering dogs, spacious training areas, and the latest in animal health equipment and veterinary care.
At present, the Boulogne Dog School has 17.000 m² occupied and plans to have 20.000 m² more. It is the only Spanish-speaking establishment that integrates the current network of 18 OMA Regional Dog Training Centers, since the customs region of the Americas has one in Canada and two in the United States.
As a benchmark for good practices, the Argentine establishment provides technical advice to both countries in the Southern Cone and other WCO member countries, in order to ensure optimal implementation of international standards in canine detection.
The head of the DGA commented enthusiastically: “Argentina exchanged knowledge with representatives from Brazil, Paraguay, Peru and Ukraine.”
Data from the DGA canine program
- 1 headquarters: Boulogne (Buenos Aires)
- 2 training sites: Salta and Bahia Blanca (Buenos Aires)
- 62 dogs in training (42 are at the Boulogne School and the rest are at other sites).
- 6 dog breeds: farmers, golden retriever, Malinois, German Shepherds and flat coated retrievers. He is also testing with border collies in the northern region.
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.
