Detector dogs sitting still in front of luggage. That is a sign of their success. Welcome to the Customs Detector Dog Group Heung Yuen Wai Dog Base. Since 1975, Hong Kong Customs has used detector dogs. They help with passenger and cargo clearance. Their main goal is to combat drug trafficking.
Today, the Customs Canine Force has over 100 officers. These officers work in operations, tactical training and puppy development. Detector dog teams work at the airport. They also work at land boundary control points and container terminals. They detect narcotics, explosives, cash, firearms and tobaccos.
In June 2020, the Customs Detector Dog Division became the Customs Canine Force. This change helped them deal with growing challenges. Customs Detector Dogs are classified into five types. There are Drug Detector Dogs, Explosive Detector Dogs and Cash Detector Dogs. Also Firearm Detector Dogs and Tobacco Detector Dogs.
Early on, dog handlers focused on anti-narcotics duty. After the 9/11 attacks in 2001, they began training explosive detector dogs. These dogs helped with counter-terrorism efforts. In 2018, cash detector dogs were introduced. This was due to the Cross-boundary Movement of Physical Currency Ordinance. These dogs find large amounts of cash at entry and exit points.
In 2021, the first Firearm Detector Dog Team was created. They combat the smuggling of firearms and ammunition. This strengthened Customs’ ability to prevent terrorist activities. It also protects citizens and national security. In 2022, Tobacco Detector Dog Teams were established. These teams help Customs suppress illicit cigarettes.
All five types of detector dogs screen travelers. They also screen personal baggage, cargoes and conveyances. This happens at Customs control points. When they find something suspicious, they sit still. Customs Detector Dogs include Labrador Retrievers and Springer Spaniels. Labrador Retrievers have a great sense of smell. They are friendly and obedient. This makes them good for passenger and cargo screening. Springer Spaniels also have a strong sense of smell. They are very obedient. Their active nature makes them good for working in tight spaces.
In the past, Customs Detector Dogs came from the Mainland, the United Kingdom, Australia and Canada. Since 2016, the Department has worked with local agencies to breed puppies. In 2020, they started their own breeding program. This ensures a steady supply of quality working dogs. These dogs get professional training when they are one year old. Then they become detector dogs.
The Department values the quality and performance of detector dogs. Dog handlers and dogs go through a 10-week training program. This builds a strong bond and enhances enforcement skills. In January 2021, the Customs Canine Force earned accreditation. It was for its Drugs Detector Dog Handling Training Program. This made them the first law enforcement agency in Hong Kong with this qualification. The training is at QF Level 4. This is the same level as a local Associate Degree or Higher Diploma.
The accreditation shows Customs has a quality training system. This system develops professional dog handlers. It also improves the management of the canine force. To keep dog handlers skilled, the Department works with academia. They also partner with professional institutions and law enforcement agencies. This gives officers the training they need for different situations. Dogs from the Mainland and overseas already have basic training. The Department provides adaptation training and assessments. This prepares the detector dogs for working at the forefront.
The kennels at the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge’s Hong Kong Port are now a World Customs Organisation Regional Dog Training Centre. Since 2018, the institute has bred 28 puppies in four litters. They have also trained 27 pairs of dog handlers. From now on, Hong Kong Customs will train Asia-Pacific members of the World Customs Organisation.