The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) welcomed Inspector Todd Southall, Coordinator of the Pacific Detector Dog Programme (PDDP), and Senior Project Officer Ms. Fiona McPhail for a courtesy visit.
During their meeting, which included FRCS CEO Mr. Udit Singh, Ms. Shelini Kumar, Director of Customs and Border, and Mr. Marika Vuniyayawa, Chief Customs Officer for Intelligence and Border Compliance, the primary focus was on enhancing ongoing cooperation between the FRCS and the New Zealand PDDP, specifically to support Fiji’s dog unit.
Key topics of discussion included the planned expansion of the canine unit in Savusavu and Nadi, an upcoming conference, new training initiatives, and other K9 operations. The PDDP is managed by the New Zealand Customs Service and New Zealand Police, with funding provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand. This initiative aims to improve the detection capabilities of border authorities in Fiji and other Pacific Island nations.
The program not only supplies trained dogs and comprehensive training for dog handlers but also strengthens leadership, systems, legal enforcement, and prosecution efforts in the fight against illegal goods, particularly drugs. The effectiveness of the program has led to a significant number of drug seizures in recent years, and Inspector Southall commended the Fiji Customs Detector Dog Unit for showcasing the skills needed for an effective K9 operation.
Mr. Singh, the FRCS CEO, expressed appreciation to the PDDP team for their continuous support, guidance, and collaboration.