New Zealand Police have confirmed that Samoa's request for two new Narcotic Detector Dogs (NDDs) has been approved.

Inspector Todd Southhall, National Coordinator for Police Dogs, said training for the two selected Samoan handlers will begin in September next year at the New Zealand Police Dog training centre in Wellington. 

"If all goes well, both handlers are expected to graduate by early December, increasing Samoa's K9 capability to four operational Narcotic Detector Dogs across both Police and Customs teams," he told the Samoa Observer.

Inspector Southhall also clarified the current state of Samoa's K9 unit. 

"The country presently has one operational dog, while another became ill earlier this year after ingesting a small amount of narcotics during a training session," he said.

He described the incident as a handler error and poor practice. The handler responsible has since been reprimanded and removed from the K9 unit.

"As part of the new arrangement, the two incoming dogs will be bred and prepared in Wellington. Samoan handlers will be selected locally with support from advisors and must serve at least six months within the K9 unit before travelling to New Zealand from formal training," said Southhall. 

"Their nine-week course will cover dog welfare, health, checks, kennel management, and operational deployment skills. Trainees must pass all assessments to qualify as operational handlers.

"Before graduating, handlers and dogs must also complete full certification. Upon their return to  Samoa, a New Zealand advisor will continue to support the teams as they transition into the operational environment, ensuring they are fully prepared for frontline duties."

This strengthened partnership aims to boost Samoa's capacity in narcotics detection and border security, fulfilling the commitment highlighted by the Prime Minister and reinforcing New Zealand's ongoing support through the Pacific Detector Dog Programme.