A dog's life for Dubai Customs officers

Dog handlers are being taught to detect contraband in a new training programme by Dubai Customs.

As part of the programme, handlers from Customs' dog unit learn how to understand their animals' behaviour and how they react to drugs and explosives.

It aims to protect the community, support international trade and "secure Dubai borders against prohibited items and materials".

Ms Feryal Tawakul, director of Customs' training centre, said pre and post-training tests were used to monitor the progress of trainees.

"Through this integrated programme, the centre seeks to build Dubai Customs personnel capabilities, leverage customs practices and strengthen the sense of security.

"The development of this programme is consistent with the centre's strategic plan which aims at launching a series of new training packages that target inspection and customs operations sectors to attain distinguished quality and global competitiveness."

She praised Nashwan Mohammed Saeed, from the technical support department, for his role in preparing and developing the programme, which she said met internationally recognised standards.

The programme has three modules.

halbustani@thenational.ae