Ukrainian customs canine teams complete training in Romania

Seven canine teams from the State Customs Service of Ukraine have completed an intensive two-week training program in Romania. Held between September 21 and October 2, 2026, at the Romanian Customs Authority (AVR) Canine Teams Training Centre in Pantelimon, the program focused on enhancing detection capabilities for drugs, weapons, ammunition, tobacco products, and undeclared cash.

The training, organized by the AVR in partnership with the EU Advisory Mission Ukraine (EUAM Ukraine), included practical exercises involving searches of vehicles, luggage, parcels, and cargo warehouses, as well as domestic search scenarios. This marks the third consecutive year Romania has hosted such training for Ukrainian customs canine units.

Ioana Badescu, President of the AVR, stated that the initiative aims to transfer European best practices and align Ukrainian law enforcement with EU standards, noting the importance of the partnership for the security of both Romania and the European Union. Alexandru Ionita, head of the training center, emphasized that these teams serve both a detection and a preventive role in combating illegal trafficking.