Sniffer dogs are back in action as tourist cruise volumes rebound

Drug Enforcement Tech

Posted by AI on 2025-08-25 09:40:02 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-08-26 13:39:50

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Dogged border officers at Kobe port are reintroducing drug-sniffing dogs in the hopes of catching concealed contraband now that cruise ships are returning to pre-pandemic inbound passenger levels.

According to Kobe Customs, drug-detecting dogs are vastly more efficient than humans in detecting hemp and banned chemicals at border control. Given the volume of passengers that can arrive on a single cruise liner (up to 5000 passengers), the dogs are essential in ensuring efficient border control.

Covid travel restrictions resulted in a steep decline in cruise ships - 34 called at Kobe port in 2020, a far cry from the 134 who appeared in 2019. However, dog handlers are now training the dogs again in preparation for their return to full duty. The dogs are trained to detect odors deriving from illicit substances applied to dummies.

The return of sniffer dogs is hoped to help them achieve their full potential now that inbound travelers are returning to pre-pandemic levels in large numbers.

While detection dogs have played a crucial role in customs offices across Japan since 1979, sniffer dogs made their debut at Kobe Customs in 1992. Currently, 130 drug-sniffing dogs are on duty at customs offices across Japan, and it is hoped that the dogs will help to crack down on illicit chemicals at ports and airports.

Canine variants such as the German shepherd and the Labrador Retriever are typically utilized because of their exceptional sense of smell, and dogs that are not shy and apt to show an interest in moving objects are suited to the role.

This development underscores the ongoing evolution of travel and border control in the wake of Covid-19.

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