Tonga Customs has joined the Pacific Dog Detector Program and welcomed its first certified dog handler, Customs Officer 'Amini Fonua and his detector dog detector "Fred" from New Zealand.

CEO of the Ministry of Revenue and Customs Michael Cokanasiga, with Deputy Commissioner of Police Pelenatita Vaisuai, extended their appreciation to the Government of New Zealand particularly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand Police and New Zealand Customs Service for the partnership that has enabled Tonga Customs to realize this goal, in an event on 10 May.

Mr. Cokanasiga said the added dog handler and detector dog capability would go a long way in boosting their efforts in the fight against illicit trade. With the ongoing support provided by the program, we will continue to grow from strength to strength,” he said.

PDDP New Zealand National Coordinator, Inspector Todd Southall, commended the efforts of both Tonga Customs and Tonga Police in working tirelessly to quickly finalize arrangements earlier this year to enable the first Customs officer trainee to receive dog handler training and return successfully with a detector dog from New Zealand.

"Tonga Customs now stands to benefit immensely from the program with the support of our New Zealand law enforcement counterparts as well as from other member countries.

“The detector dogs bred under the PDDP are highly trained and have the ability to detect contrabands such as illicit drugs, firearms and ammunition."

'Amini Fonua completed nine-weeks of training and returned to Tonga Customs. The new customs detector dog followed a week later.

'Amini and Fred, now join other Tonga Police dog handlers and detector dogs in the new Tonga Detector Dog Unit.

With detector dogs, Customs will be able to enhance border enforcement when dealing with travelers and international cargo arriving into or departing Tonga. The detector dogs are very mobile and will be able to be deployed throughout the Customs controlled areas. In addition to being deployed in these Customs areas, the Customs canine will also be able to assist with Tonga Police operations.