From October 21 to November 1, 2024, the World Customs Organization (WCO) hosted the Regional Training Workshop on K9 Fentanyl Detection for the Latin America and Caribbean regions at the WCO Regional Dog Training Centre (RDTC) in Buenos Aires, Argentina. This significant initiative, funded by the U.S. Government, aimed to bolster the capabilities of member countries in combating the rising threat of fentanyl.

Organized under the Synthetic Drugs Detection Project (WCO-INL SDDP), the two-week workshop provided vital training for Customs canine forces. The first week featured an expert instructor from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), who imparted essential knowledge and techniques for effective fentanyl detection. In the second week, participants had the opportunity to apply their newfound skills by delivering training to local dog teams, all under the guidance of the instructor.

Canine trainers from six regional members—Argentina, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Paraguay, Peru, and Trinidad & Tobago—participated in this train-the-trainer progamme, ensuring that the skills learned would be disseminated among their colleagues. By the end of the workshop, Argentina Customs had significantly strengthened its capabilities, successfully training 10 canine teams in fentanyl detection.

This workshop marks a crucial step in enhancing regional cooperation and preparedness against fentanyl threats, reinforcing the commitment of the WCO and its member countries to combat drug trafficking and ensure safer and more secure borders for all.