The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) has deployed five dogs to the Customs Department to aid in nabbing tax evaders in the country.
The trained dogs popularly known as K9 will help the Customs and Border Control Department in effectively manning baggage halls and cargo sheds at the airports, Port of Mombasa and the Embakasi Inland Container Deport.
The K9 dogs are trained to detect a variety of products including contraband electronics that are hidden amongst other cargo to evade customs duties at the ports of entry.
[caption caption="A K9 dog inspecting luggage at the port"]
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This batch of five K9s brings the total dogs deployed in the Department to eight marking a major boost not only to trade but also to the security surveillance effort.
Eight handlers who underwent an intensive and rigorous two-month training course will be deployed to assist in handling the dogs alongside existing officers on the ground.
Use of K9s is one aspect of non-intrusive inspection mechanisms recommended by the World Customs Organisation Safe Framework of Standards.
Other than sniffing out contraband products, the dogs are important in detecting and interdicting drug traffickers, small and light weapons smugglers, and explosives.
The World Customs Organization recommends the use of sniffer dogs as part of its Safe Framework of Standards due to their non-intrusive inspection.
The diversifying Trans-National Organised Crimes (TOC) activities have resulted in the convergence of threats that were once distinct making it necessary to have frequent and intensive patrols to avoid an influx of fake products in the market.
[caption caption="Dogs in a past operation in Eastleigh"]
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Besides, the rise in contraband commodities poses a serious threat to public safety, public health, democratic institutions, and economic stability across the globe.
