PDDP PAY COURTESY VISIT TO FRCS

This week, the Coordinator of the Pacific Detector Dog Programme (PDDP), Inspector Todd Southall, along with Senior Project Officer Ms. Fiona McPhail, paid a courtesy visit to the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS). During their visit, the PDDU team engaged in discussions with FRCS CEO Mr. Udit Singh, Director of Customs and Border Ms. Shelini Kumar, and Chief Customs Officer for Intelligence and Border Compliance Mr. Marika Vuniyayawa.

The meeting centred on the ongoing collaboration between the New Zealand PDDP and the FRCS, focusing on support for Fiji’s canine unit. Key topics included new training and capacity-building initiatives, the planned expansion of the canine unit in Nadi and Savusavu, and upcoming conference as well as other planned K9 operations.

The PDDP, funded by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, is managed by New Zealand Police with support from the New Zealand Customs Service. The program enhances the detection capabilities of border agencies’ Detector Dog Units in Fiji and other Pacific Island nations. It provides comprehensive training for dog handlers, supplies trained canines, and builds capacity in leadership, systems, legal enforcement, and prosecution related to the interception of illicit materials, particularly drugs.

The programme has been highly successful, leading to significant drug seizures in recent years. Inspector Southall commended the Fiji Customs Detector Dog Unit for its exemplary display of the skills and competencies essential for a robust K9 facility.

Our CEO also thanked the PDDP team for their continuous support, guidance and partnership with FRCS.

Last Updated - August 20, 2024