Bulgarian Customs Agency receives UK-trained dogs for border security

Three specialized dogs trained in the United Kingdom have officially joined the Bulgarian Customs Agency to assist in combating organized crime and enhancing border security. The dogs—two cocker spaniels named Dewey and Merlin, and a Labrador named Luna—will be deployed to key locations, including the Port of Burgas, Sofia Airport, and the Kapitan Andreevo border crossing.

The initiative is part of the K-9 project, a long-standing collaboration between the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) and Bulgarian authorities. The dogs are trained to detect illegal goods, including narcotics, undeclared currency, and contraband.

During a ceremony at the British Ambassador’s residence in Sofia, Ambassador Nathaniel Copsey emphasized that the arrival of the dogs represents a practical application of the strategic partnership between the two nations. The collaboration aims to strengthen frontline capabilities and disrupt criminal networks through shared expertise and resources.