Tonga opens second detector dog facility in Vava’u

Tonga is officially opening its second detector dog facility in Vava’u to strengthen border security and combat organized crime. The new facility, located within the Tonga Police compound in Neiafu, will be jointly owned by Tonga Police and Tonga’s Ministry of Revenue and Customs.

New Zealand Customs and New Zealand Police collaborated with Tongan authorities to deliver the project. The facility aims to increase local capability to screen passengers, baggage, cargo, and maritime activity, specifically targeting the movement of illicit drugs, firearms, and cash across borders.

Currently, three qualified detector dog teams operate out of Nuku’alofa. Two additional teams, one from the police and one from customs, are undergoing training at the New Zealand Police Dog Training Centre in Trentham to support operations at the new Vava’u base.