100 new K9s, handlers beefing up PDEA operations

K9 BOOST – The 100 newly acquired and trained K9s and their handlers will be welcome additions to the government’s war on drugs. (Photo courtesy of PDEA PIO)

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)’s K9 unit welcomed 100 new narcotic detection dogs and their handlers as the agency intensifies its anti-illegal drug operations.

PDEA held a graduation ceremony for the newly-recruited K9 handlers and dogs at the Zemog K9 Center in Sitio Puting Bato, Inarawan in Antipolo City on Wednesday.

PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said the new K9 unit members underwent six months of intensive training including “familiarization with substances for detection and understanding K9 behavior.”

K9 handlers and dogs will be deployed in various PDEA regional offices and seaport interdiction units nationwide.

Aquino said K9 dogs are an important tool to detect concealed illegal drugs.

“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,” Aquino said in a statement.  (Editor: Gilbert S. Gaviola)