Anton, Krugan, and Mali the Territory’s new K-9 Officers are ready to work. The three new canines were introduced to the media on Monday and eagerly demonstrated their skills.

Contrary to popular belief the Comptroller announced that the obtaining of a K-9 Officer that specializes in guns and ammunition detection is not an indication that more illegal activities are on the increase in the Territory.

Paris Nicholson of KOPS and Southern Hills Kennel announced that he was in the territory for the introduction of the first set of K-9 Officers in 2003. He announced that three handlers recently attended a two weeks training program, where they were trained with 76 other k-9 handlers in the US. Officer Roberto Harrigan received an exemplary certificate making him the first non-US Officer to receive such certification from the US Police Canine Association.

The new addition of the three canines brings the K-9 Unit to five and also makes the Department the largest in the region.

Nicholson also pointed out that K-9 Officers are important not only because of the illegal items they may retrieve, but because of the deterrent factor they cause. Additionally, he said that because dogs possess an enhanced smelling capability that is 30,000 times stronger than that of humans they make the searching process faster.

Dean Fahie, Deputy Comptroller of Customs with responsibility for Enforcement stated the use of k-9 Officers has been a big help to the Department in the making of a number of seizures and added that the new ammunition dog will be utilize at all ports.

K-9 Anton is a black German Sheppard and he will be handled by Officer Stevens. Both Anton and his Handler will be stationed in Virgin Gorda. He is trained to protect his handler and to detect narcotics.

K-9 Krugan is a brown Belgian Malinois, trained in drug detection dog he will the spot of Atos, the K-9 Officer that recently died. Officer Harrigan will be the handler Krugan.

The third canine Mali is also a brown Belgian Malinois, and is trained for ammunition detection. He was a donation from the KOPS.

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