Antigua and Barbuda’s fight against crime is getting a significant boost with the rollout of a fully staffed police canine unit.
Six specially trained dogs are now undergoing preparation to detect drugs, illegal firearms, and even human trafficking activities, a move National Security Minister Sir Steadroy Benjamin says will give law enforcement sharper tools to tackle organized crime.
The initiative comes as police report a general decline in overall crime, but continue to flag troubling trends on the nation’s roads.
Officers say traffic accidents remain high, fueled in part by unlicensed vehicles and motorbikes, as well as the growing use of coloured headlights.
In response, enforcement operations will be stepped up.
Hopefully the dogs will be treated well and with the respect they deserve, that all animals deserve.
Great to see the police getting more specialized tools. Dogs can make a real difference in detecting drugs and weapons.
It’s encouraging to hear that overall crime is declining, but we definitely need stricter road safety enforcement.
Specialized dogs for drugs and weapon detection! What about the human factor? They need training also.
Do they have the capacity to house more dogs? I hope they considered the budget to purchase food for the dogs and regular health checks. They cannot advocate like humans for better working conditions and pay.
Happy to hear of the upgrades.
I hope they train them to bark in dilect. Lol
Confiscated 300k. Turn in 1.5k. Where the money gan. To the real dogs. You all just better leave me alone
Dogs won’t solve crime if the justice system is still weak and slow.
The dogs should sniff at the polices homes first.