EUAM Ukraine Partners with Romanian Customs to Strengthen Ukrainian Canine Teams to Combat Border Threats
October 18, 2024
In a continued effort to strengthen border security and improve law enforcement operations, EUAM Ukraine facilitated a two-week intensive training for Ukrainian customs officers and their service dogs at the Romanian Customs Administration (ROCA) Canine Team Training Centre. Held from 22 September to 5 October, the training involved six K9 teams from the Odesa Customs House, one from Kyiv, and another from the Khmelnytskyi Training Centre, all under the State Customs Service of Ukraine.
This joint initiative, organised by EUAM Ukraine in partnership with ROCA, was designed to enhance the dogs’ ability to detect illicit contraband, including cigarettes, tobacco products, narcotics, weapons and ammunition. These improved competencies will be instrumental in securing Ukraine’s southern border, particularly the shared EU-Ukraine border from Galati to the Black Sea.
During the training, the canine teams were put through real-life simulations, including vehicle inspections, cargo checks, and passenger screening, allowing both the dogs and their handlers to improve their operational readiness. Trainers from ROCA worked closely with the Ukrainian officers, ensuring they gained the latest techniques and insights in combating cross-border threats.
“The training provided an excellent opportunity for our teams to develop advanced detection techniques, particularly in identifying a wider range of narcotics and illegal items such as weapons and ammunition,” said Viktor Diadyk, coordinator of the Canine Support Unit of the Directorate for Counteracting Smuggling and Violations of Customs Rules of Odessa Customs. “Thanks to the support of EUAM Ukraine and ROCA, our officers and service dogs are now better prepared to combat smuggling and trafficking along Ukraine’s southern borders, where these threats are increasingly present.”
The success of this pilot project has also sparked the interest of other law enforcement agencies. The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine has already requested EUAM’s assistance in organising similar training sessions, highlighting the positive impact of the program. EUAM Ukraine remains committed to facilitating these valuable partnerships and supporting the professional development of Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies.
This cooperation between Ukrainian and Romanian customs authorities, supported by the Mission, demonstrates the power of cross-border cooperation in addressing shared security challenges. With their newly enhanced capabilities, Ukraine’s canine units are now better prepared to protect both national and EU borders from illicit activities.
