Seven trained police dogs from New Zealand will be in Samoa during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) to ramp up national security at the borders. 

The police dogs will be assisting the local authority and are well-trained to sniff out explosives, weapons, and drugs during a time the country will be hosting more than 6000 delegates. 

Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo said they had already asked the New Zealand Government for police dogs who have agreed to provide seven for the meeting. 

Auapaau said the allocation of the police dogs has not been finalised but acknowledged the search dogs would play a pivotal role in detecting explosives, drugs, and weapons. 

Furthermore, he said the Ministry of Police had also put forth a proposal for more police dogs in Samoa permanently to help the country in its battle to crack down on illicit drugs.

Samoa currently has two police dogs. One is allocated to the Customs and another to the Police. 

“That is what was recommended to have more police dogs but it is costly and there are many factors to consider like the care for them and proper training for handlers,” he said. 

“Right now we only have two K9s but we have the border at Fagalii, Matautu, the Post Office, Faleolo airport, Mulifanua and Salelologa that all need to be monitored. 

“It also comes down to our commitment of care for the K9s and the handler has to have that bond with the dogs.” 

The rise in reports of drug offences has prompted calls from the Parliament to bring in more police dogs to help detect those bringing in hard drugs and address the problem. 

The Ministry of Customs and Revenue this week unveiled the X-ray scanner and facility at Matatutu to bolster border security and effectively detect illegal imports.