The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 11 welcomed eight Narcotic Detection Dogs (NDDs) with their handlers from the PNP national headquarters yesterday.
PDEA spokesperson Nephi Noli Dimaandal, said this will strengthen the anti – drug campaign program of the government. The narcotics detection dogs underwent months of training and are now ready to be deployed to regional offices.
The newly – recruited K9 handlers also went six months training all geared to support the anti-illegal drug operations.
These K9 teams will bolster PDEAs monitoring and interdiction capabilities in Davao region’s airports and seaports, sweeping searches on baggage, cargoes and parcels, events monitoring, search and seizure operations in jails and custodial facilities, and detection of New Psychoactive Substances.
PDEA National Director Aaron Aquino said the training includes familiarization with substances subject for detection, understanding of K9 behavior, substance printing, indication to improve the dog’s ability to distinguish scent of discrimination to develop the dog’s ability to differentiate odors of illicit substances among others.
“The superior sense of smell of dogs, which is a thousand times stronger than humans, make them a valuable tool in the detection of concealed illegal drugs,” Aquino said.
“The dog’s natural capability when properly trained and assisted by their handlers continues to be an invaluable asset in the ongoing war against illegal drugs,” he added.
