SMUGGLERS CHANGING TACTICS TO FOOL DOGS

OTTAWA - A federal study says smugglers may be switching tactics to
take the bite out of their four-legged opponents -- canny canines that
sniff for illicit drugs, plants and currency.

An evaluation of the national detector dog program says the initiative
might be prompting criminals to mask the scent of their contraband or
simply avoid ports where the animals work.

The study also found that, while the pooches are efficient members of
Canada's border units, more dog teams may be needed and Ottawa should
ensure they are optimally located.

The evaluation, completed in December by the Canada Border Services
Agency, recommends an annual assessment be carried out to ensure
"maximum coverage" of dog teams at high-risk ports.

The border agency has 69 detector dog teams, each composed of a canine
and handler, working in marine, air, postal and land ports at an
annual cost of $6 million. Forty-six dogs focus on drugs and firearms,
19 seek out illicit food, plants and animals and four sniff for
smuggled currency.

The capacity of dogs' brains to process smells is 40 times greater
than that of humans. Labrador retrievers and beagles are the breeds of
choice.

In 2005-06, dog teams were involved in the seizure of almost $68
million worth of drugs, 24,000 animal and plant products and $500,000
in currency. The amount of suspect money detected dropped dramatically
from $6.4 million in 2003-04.

The study says that while seizures fluctuate from year to year, one
explanation for the dip is that two of the four currency detector
teams were out of service for five months in 2005.

"It is also possible that money launderers are aware of CBSA use of
detector dogs and have moved their smuggling activities to other
ports" -- a perception supported by dog handlers.

The study found that while there is "little evidence" the detector
dogs are deterring smuggling -- an expected outcome of the program --
there are indications that the presence of dogs is "changing the
behaviour of smugglers."

The study adds that anecdotal evidence suggests the furry employees
decrease the amount of drugs brought into Canada for personal use.