A facility that serves as a station for narcotics detection dogs (NDDs) and their handlers has been established by the Bureau of Customs (BOC) at Manila South Harbor, Port Area, Manila.
It is the first K9 barracks constructed by the bureau, Customs Commissioner Rey B. Leonardo Guerrero said. It was inaugurated on March 26.
The facility is designed to house 12 drug-sniffing dogs. It would also allow the storage of vehicles and equipment needed by the K-9 unit, which is deployed to the two major ports in Manila-- Port of Manila and Manila International Container Port.
According to Guerrero, the facility is a joint project of the BOC and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). He says they aim to work closely together in preventing the entry of large scale shipments of illegal drugs into the country.
Deputy Commissioner Donato B. San Juan of the BOC-Internal Administration Group said the new facility gives K9 units a place where they can rest in between deployment. He further said that “all ports nationwide will have similar facilities in the near future.”
Meanwhile, PDEA Deputy Director General Randy R. Pedroso assured the continued support of their agency to the BOC and thanked the bureau for the accommodating PDEA personnel.
He expressed optimism that the partnership between BOC and PDEA will strengthen efforts of the government against illegal drugs. (With reports from Ariel Fernandez)