IMPERIAL, Calif. – El Centro Sector Border Patrol welcomes three new canine handlers and their partners to the Canine Detection Unit.



All three Border Patrol agents and their canine partners graduated a seven-week canine academy course on March 24, 2020. The academy’s purpose is to train agents and canines to search all operational environments and identify concealed humans and the odors of controlled substances.



The agents and canine partner attended the canine academy in El Paso, Texas. The teams were certified and trained in concealed human and narcotic detection. The course includes in-depth training and certification in all aspects of canine behavior, along with handling, training, canine policy, case law and canine first aid. Both the agent and the canine are taught proper search sequences when searching private and commercial conveyances, freight, luggage, mail and open areas of land and structures.



“The canine academy had its challenges, but now that my K-9 partner and I are a team, I am really excited to finally be working the field with him. Helping with the interdiction of illegal drugs that come into our country and keeping our communities safe. We are going to continue to work hard every day and stay motivated in order to accomplish our mission,” said Border Patrol agent Barajas.



The canine handlers and their partners, two two-year Belgian Malinois and a two-year-old German Sheppard, began their new work duties this week.



El Centro Sector is one of the top sectors in the nation in checkpoint narcotic seizures.



In fiscal year 2019, canine detection teams were responsible for approximately 65% of El Centro Sector’s narcotic seizures and 1488 apprehensions.

