UNODC vows to enhance the counter-narcotics canine capacity of the Anti Narcotics Force Pakistan

- the new focus will be on achieving a wider regional impact

1 June 2015, Islamabad - A technical needs assessment mission conducted by a team of counter-narcotics canine experts from the Bolivian Police, has been concluded in Pakistan. The special visit was aimed at evaluating the canine capacity of the Anti Narcotics Force (ANF), and to make recommendations for possible future improvements. The mission was jointly hosted by the UNODC Country Office Pakistan and the ANF. It explored the steps required to bring the canine capacity of Pakistani law enforcement agencies in line with the international standards.  

Certified by ISO-9001, the Bolivian Police Training Centre of Drug Detecting Canines is located in Cochabamba, Bolivia, and is considered one of the renowned canine training facilities in the world. It trains canine experts from eleven Latin American nations. Lieutenant Colonel Javier Mendoza, the head of the Bolivian Canine Centre, along with the Deputy Chief, Captain Jimmy Quiroga, conducted the needs assessment mission in Pakistan.

Welcoming the Bolivian experts, Mr. Cesar Guedes, the UNODC Representative in Pakistan, highlighted the importance of raising Pakistan's counter-narcotics canine capacity as it is considered the first line of defence against international drug trafficking networks. "Our close partnership with the Government of Pakistan demands pragmatic measures in support of the ANF's counter-narcotics drive in the country". We are obliged to strengthen the capacity of the ANF as a part of the current and upcoming Country Programme (2016-2020). Our efforts aim to improve Pakistan's response against the emerging challenges of drugs and chemical precursors trafficking especially through the Southern trafficking route. It would have a greater impact on the region" added Mr. Guedes.

At commencement of the 10-day mission, the Bolivian canine experts met Major General Khawar Hanif, Director General of the ANF and hisstaff. "Our record drug seizures during the recent years are directly attributed to our commitment to fight the drug menace," said General Hanif. "The UNODC's canine training initiative will enhance the capacities of the ANF, as well as that of other law enforcement agencies, as we look forward to making the ANF's canine breeding and training centre one of the leading training entities in the region," he added. The Bolivian experts were briefed on the tactical and operational requirements of the ANF across Pakistan. They were shown the ANF's breeding and training facilities in Rawalpindi and Lahore, and witnessed the canine operations of the ANF at two international airports.

The mission acknowledged the importance of ANF's current standard of canine training and dog-handling. They made recommendations to bring the ANF's canine capacity to international standards. Particular reference was given to improving the canine breeding and training capabilities of the ANF and tactical deployment along both vulnerable drug trafficking routes and entry/exit points in the country. The experts facilitated the development of a comprehensive technical evaluation of the emerging needs in the country's law enforcement agencies, and the UNODC's future development strategy to enhance Pakistan's counter-narcotics canine capacity. The results of this assistance are anticipated to have a positive impact on anti-narcotics efforts. 

This was made possible by the continued generous support of the Government of United Kingdom to UNODC.

Also published in Bolivia:  www.unodc.org/bolivia