Photo: Messenger
The era of officials manually searching passengers' luggage and flights for gold is now a thing of the past at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport. In a remarkable development, authorities have implemented advanced measures to curb gold smuggling, ushering in a new era of heightened security.
Ziaul Haque Palash, Additional Superintendent of Police at the Airport Armed Police Battalion told The Daily Messenger, “Traditional methods of catching smugglers, such as relying on manual intelligence or rummaging through flights, are being replaced. The spotlight is now on a specialized "dog squad" that will play a pivotal role in detecting illegal gold brought in the country using at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport.
The third terminal will feature belt scanners, while dog squads will be strategically positioned at terminals 1 and 2. Unlike previous practices, where gold smugglers employed various tactics to evade detection, the introduction of these canine units marks a significant shift in security measures.
The official further said highlighted that, until now, manual methods were the norm, but a paradigm shift is imminent. Internationally trained dog handlers are overseeing the training of five dogs specifically trained to identify gold. These dogs will swiftly recognize passengers carrying gold upon disembarkation and can also detect gold concealed within the flight.
Answering queries, Ziaul mentioned that the dog squads would be positioned at a distance from the flight landing area, enhancing their ability to apprehend gold thieves promptly.
Furthermore, with the upcoming launch of the third terminal, an advanced scanner installed on the belt itself will make it virtually impossible for smugglers to pass through undetected.
The training of the dog squads is reaching its conclusion, and the deployment of these specialized units, combined with cutting-edge technology, signals the imminent demise of gold smuggling operations centered around Shahjalal airport. In addition to the gold detection dog squad, the Airport Armed Police boasts 22 more trained dogs, bringing the total to 27 with the addition of these five specialized canines.
The Airport Armed Police Battalion Canine Unit at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport has evolved significantly since its inception in 2016. Initially established in 2010, the APBN Canine Unit began with two Labradors, two German Shepherds, and four Belgian Malanoise, primarily focusing on explosive detection. However, recognizing the changing scenario, a decision was made to integrate drug detection capabilities into the unit's functions.
In 2023, the Canine Unit underwent a transformative phase, with the addition of six narcotics detection dogs. These dogs, named Olly, Sivak, Sepi, Diego, Naira, and Skoko, include three German Shepherds and three Labradors. A team of six primary handlers, comprising four males and two females, undertakes the responsibility of managing these specialized dogs.
The collaboration with the US Embassy has played a crucial role in their training. Expert canine trainers from the USA, UK, New Zealand, Nepal, and South Africa have contributed to the comprehensive training of the Airport APBN Canine Unit in both explosive and narcotics detection.
The heightened focus on security became paramount following the recent seizure of a significant consignment of cocaine. The sophistication of the smuggling techniques, undetected even by scanning, prompted the decision to deploy the trained dog squad around the clock. Since January 28, the APBN canines have been actively engaged in cargo screening, checks at the airport's main entrance, parking areas, canopies, periphery walls, airport postal service, and baggage belt areas.
The Airport APBN Canine Unit also plays a pivotal role in ensuring VVIP security, including that of the President and Prime Minister, as announced by the government.
Experts commend this initiative as a robust measure to deter illegal activities and smuggling at the airport. The comprehensive security system, including the deployment of well-trained dog squads, reflects a commitment to making airports in Bangladesh entirely free from smuggling, akin to the standards observed in developed countries worldwide.
Wahidul Alam, an aviation expert, underscores the significance of the fully operational third terminal, emphasizing its potential to elevate the importance of Shahjalal International Airport.
The inclusion of a scanner on the belt itself in the third terminal and the deployment of dog squads at the other two terminals are expected to enhance security measures, contributing to increased revenue and reinforcing the airport's status as a key hub in the region.
Messenger/Disha
