Al-Amn Magazine

SECURITY he Canine (K9) Unit is a crucial part of enhancing customs security efforts and countering various threats, seamlessly integrating with modern technologies to detect narcotics and explosives across all land, air, and sea customs ports. In this way, it strengthens the Ministry of Interior’s capabilities in providing a safe and risk- free environment. Al Amn highlights the efforts of the unit, a cornerstone in enhancing the effectiveness of customs inspections and protecting society from security and economic risks. Director of the Customs Security Department Colonel Firas Ibrahim Al-Deisi said the K9 Unit is a vital support in detecting narcotics and explosives at all customs entry points (land, air, and sea). Its work includes inspecting vehicles, goods, containers, and ships, as well as conducting personal searches of travelers. This has solidified the unit’s role over time and strengthened confidence in all customs entry points. He noted that the unit now plays a fundamental role in the professional seizure of prohibited materials. Protecting customs ports He said the Anti-Smuggling Unit witnessed a marked improvement in its performance and effectiveness in combating the smuggling of prohibited materials in 2024, with 115 seizures. This reflected a significant increase in the unit’s effectiveness and reinforces its vital role in protecting customs ports and contributing to national security. “The unit also underwent a transformation in the training of its national personnel, who were enrolled in specialized training courses to prepare them to train their colleagues within the unit.” He said this shift in training strategy included intensifying specialized courses, particularly in coordination with the Canine Unit of the Special T Sniffing i t ou t K9 uni t cruci a l to Cus toms work