The head of Antigua and Barbuda’s Customs and Excise Division has called for the establishment of a dedicated canine unit to strengthen the fight against drug smuggling and reduce over-reliance on the police.
Comptroller of Customs Raju Boddu made the appeal during an interview with ABS, noting that Customs currently has no in-house dog unit, despite being on the frontline of the country’s border security operations.
“We have been depending too heavily on the police to assist with drug detection,” Mr Boddu said. “We need our own canine capabilities to respond swiftly and effectively to threats.”
He warned that drug trafficking through small vessels and private boats remains a significant concern, particularly at unmonitored coastal points and during late-night arrivals.
Border vulnerabilities persist
While Customs officers have stepped up physical inspections and enforcement at the main seaports and airport, gaps remain in the country’s surveillance and interdiction capacity. Mr Boddu acknowledged that the Division is often unable to inspect every incoming vessel, especially at smaller marinas and jetties.
“Right now, if we suspect a vessel is carrying contraband, we must call in police and wait for a dog team to become available,” he explained. “That time delay can be the difference between a successful seizure and a missed opportunity.”
The proposed canine unit would be trained to detect drugs, firearms, currency, and other contraband, with officers embedded directly within Customs operations. Officials believe such a team could also support inspections in bonded warehouses, courier services, and postal shipments.
Legislative support and resource gaps
The push for a canine squad forms part of a wider call to modernise the Customs Act, which Mr Boddu says is outdated and ill-equipped to address modern threats. He is also advocating for additional staffing, better surveillance tools, and investments in maritime patrols.
“Customs needs to evolve from simply processing imports to becoming a fully capable enforcement agency,” he said.
According to Mr Boddu, several regional counterparts already operate their own canine units within Customs, allowing for faster interdiction and tighter control at ports of entry.
Next steps
While no official timeline has been given, Mr Boddu said discussions are under way with the Ministry of Finance and international partners to secure support for training and procurement.
“The benefits far outweigh the costs. A well-trained canine unit pays for itself in the seizures it makes and the deterrence it creates,” he said.
Officials hope the creation of a Customs-led dog team will complement broader efforts to improve national security and curb the flow of illicit goods through Antigua and Barbuda’s borders.