United States donates six canine units to El Salvador's PNC

The United States has donated six new dogs to El Salvador’s National Civil Police (PNC) to bolster anti-narcotics and security operations. The donation, valued at over $86,000, brings the total U.S. investment in the canine program to approximately $300,000 for 2026.

The six puppies—named Fanny, Lee, Bico, Roma, Lucky, and Zaki—will undergo training at the Canine School to detect illicit drugs, currency, and human remains. Once trained, they will work in teams with police handlers to support operations against drug trafficking, money laundering, and other transnational crimes.

During the presentation, El Salvador’s Minister of Public Security and Justice, Gustavo Villatoro, and Thomas Lyons, Director of the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), highlighted the bilateral cooperation. Since 2020, the PNC canine unit has assisted in the seizure of over 2.4 tons of cocaine, nearly one ton of marijuana, and more than $3.1 million in cash, contributing to 861 arrests.