Australian Federal Police (AFP) dogs demonstrated their skills during a live demonstration at the opening of the first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness in Port Vila.

During the demonstration, the dogs showed how they can detect cannabis and cash hidden by individuals. This capability will assist law enforcement in detecting and preventing illegal drugs and other forms of transnational crime from entering Vanuatu.

Australian Federal Police Superintendent Alex Middlemiss said his team was pleased to be in Vanuatu to take part in the summit, share knowledge and experience, and support the country’s efforts to strengthen border security.

“I’m excited to be here today to talk to you about our K9 capability, and a joint operation we currently have with the Vanuatu Police Force and the Australian Federal Police, called Operation Green Shield. We have gathered here today at this summit to talk about the importance of border security and a capability that we are excited to bring for the first time ever, where Australia and Vanuatu come together to establish this K9 capability under the joint operation.

The K9’s we have here today are able to detect cannabis, firearms, cash, and many drugs including methamphetamine, ice, and cocaine. There have been some significant seizures in Vanuatu over the last year, so we want to work together to make sure we can create these capabilities in Vanuatu to strengthen our Pacific and our border security together.”

The police dogs are part of a wider cooperation between Australia and Vanuatu aimed at building stronger capabilities in border protection.

Over the next two weeks, the Australian Federal Police will work closely with the Vanuatu Police Force to provide practical training on how to handle and work with police dogs during law enforcement operations.

Following the training, some Vanuatu Police officers will travel overseas to receive further specialised training in police dog operations, helping to build local capability for the future.

A Vanuatu Police Force representative said:

“The current plan is that once the scoping process is completed, a report will be developed. Based on that report, we will design how this project will be rolled out in Vanuatu. This is a special program and a special capability project that we want to introduce to the Vanuatu Police Force.”

The first National Summit on Border Security and Preparedness is continuing, with government agencies, security partners, and stakeholders discussing ways to prepare Vanuatu for emerging security challenges.

The Minister of Internal Affairs, during the opening of the summit today, said Vanuatu must remain prepared for future challenges, especially threats that could affect border security and communities.

Following the summit, stakeholders are expected to develop recommendations and plans to help Vanuatu address issues including illegal drugs, transnational crime, and other security challenges affecting the region.