Three team leaders from the NDEA dog unit (Seychelles) have just completed a three week dog handling course here in Downpatrick Northern Ireland. They have been through an intensive programme and have been instructed in general handling techniques and deployment for narcotic detection.

Sample preperation, contamination issues, canine behaviour and rewarding systems were all covered and the team were introduced to four new dogs which are to be shipped out from the UK in due course.

The dogs have been taught to search vehicles, buildings and people and are now to complete the team of eight dogs supplied by ACT.