Photo : Messenger
Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) has adopted heightened security measures in response to a number of cocaine-like narcotics items’ seizure.
A round-the-clock deployment of K-9 Dog Squads now monitors all crucial areas of the airport, ensuring comprehensive security coverage. Specifically trained on detecting drugs and explosives, the Airport Police Battalion (APBN) has 22 dog squads now actively involved in these efforts.
In a pioneering achievement, the Dog Squad of the Airport Armed Police played a pivotal role in the detection of cocaine, leading to the apprehension of a Tanzanian citizen in Africa. The arrest took place at Hotel Eford Inn in Uttara on a Thursday afternoon. Despite the presence of various law enforcement agencies' dog squads, the armed police's K-9 unit demonstrated exceptional success in seizing dangerous drugs, such as cocaine.
Ziaul Haque Palash, the spokesperson for the Airport Armed Police and Additional Superintendent of Police, expressed the historical significance of the recent arrest of a Tanzanian national and the seizure of cocaine by the Dog Squad. He emphasized the exceptional capabilities of the specially trained narcotics detection dogs, highlighting their success in marking luggage inside a room and indicating the presence of narcotics. Palash credited the Dog Squad for making history in this achievement.
In efforts to enhance security and prevent smuggling activities, Palash explained that the dog squad is continuously monitoring the entire airport.
“Specially trained dog squads are deployed to alert passengers to the presence of weapons, explosives, and drugs in their luggage. This proactive approach aims to maintain a secure and vigilant environment at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport,” added the official.
It was known that the Airport Armed Police Battalion Canine Unit, which started its journey in 2016, has played a crucial role in bolstering airport security. Initially equipped with 2 Labradors, 2 German Shepherds, and 4 Belgian Malinois, the unit primarily focused on explosive detection dogs. However, in response to changing circumstances, a strategic decision was made to incorporate drug detection dogs into the canine unit, reflecting the adaptability and responsiveness of security measures at the airport.
In the ongoing efforts to enhance security, the APBN Canine Unit took a significant step in 2023 by training six narcotics detection dogs. These specially trained dogs, consisting of three German Shepherds named Olly, Sivak, and Sepi, as well as three Labradors named Diego, Naira, and Skoko, play a crucial role in detecting narcotics.
The six primary dog handlers, responsible for the well-trained dogs, include four males and two females. The training of these dogs received support from the US Embassy in Bangladesh, highlighting the collaboration between national security agencies and international partners. Expert canine trainers from the USA, UK, New Zealand, Nepal, and South Africa conducted the training, contributing to the dogs' proficiency in both explosive detection and narcotics detection.
The initiative to strengthen security measures gained prominence following the seizure of a large consignment of cocaine. Recognizing the sophistication involved in smuggling drugs, especially in ways that evade traditional scanning methods, the decision was made to deploy the trained dog squad round the clock. The APBN canines are currently deployed at various key areas within the airport, including cargo screening, the main entrance check post area, parking areas, canopy, periphery walls, airport postal service, and the baggage belt area.
Members of the Airport APBN Canine Unit play a pivotal role in ensuring the security of VVIPs, as announced by the government, including the President and Prime Minister. Their involvement in high-profile security tasks underscores the trust placed in their capabilities.
As of now, the Airport Armed Police boasts a total of 22 dogs, supported by 35 handlers and trainers. The unit is set to expand further, with plans to add 10 more dogs this year. Looking ahead, the Airport APBN envisions significant growth, aiming to increase the number of dogs in the dog squad to 66 by 2025, according to its 5-year plan. These additional dogs have been acquired from reputable sources in Manchester, England, and the Netherlands.
In a testament to their adaptability and versatility, the Airport APBN Canine Unit is actively working on plans to train dogs for currency detection, wild animal detection, and gold detection.
Messenger/Fameema
