The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) welcomed a courtesy visit from Inspector Todd Southall, the Coordinator of the Pacific Detector Dog Programme (PDDP), along with Senior Project Officer Ms. Fiona McPhail.
During their meeting, the PDDP team engaged with Udit Singh, CEO of FRCS, Shelini Kumar, Director of Customs and Border, and Marika Vuniyayawa, Chief Customs Officer for Intelligence and Border Compliance.
A key focus of the discussions was on the ongoing collaboration between the FRCS and the New Zealand PDDP, specifically regarding support for Fiji’s dog unit.
The conversation covered several significant topics, including the planned expansion of the canine unit in Savusavu and Nadi, an upcoming conference, new training initiatives, and other K9 operational plans.
The PDDP is managed by the New Zealand Customs Service in partnership with New Zealand Police, and is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade in New Zealand. This program aims to enhance the capabilities of border authorities in Fiji and other Pacific Island nations concerning dog detection units.
The program not only supplies trained dogs and comprehensive training for handlers but also strengthens leadership, operational systems, legal enforcement, and prosecution efforts in relation to intercepting illegal goods, predominantly drugs.
The effectiveness of the program has been reflected in a significant number of drug seizures over recent years. Inspector Southall commended the Fiji Customs Detector Dog Unit for showcasing the skills essential for a robust K9 facility.
The FRCS CEO extended his appreciation to the PDDP team for their continuous support, guidance, and cooperation.