From 2 to 6 March, the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek (POiB) held a special training for the K-9 Unit of the State Border Service of the Kyrgyz Republic. The activity was funded with the assistance from the UK government.
The training focused on stopping the illegal smuggling of weapons, ammunition, and explosives across national borders.
An international expert from the United Kingdom led the sessions for 16 canine instructors and handlers and this training provided a holistic 360-degree view of canine unit management. The program covered the entire process of working with service dogs, including selection, detection, field work and care in line with international standards.
The training combined classroom lessons with hands-on practice. By sharing international best practices, the program helped canine managers, dog handlers, canine instructors, canine veterinarians work together more effectively.
This activity is part of a larger project to reduce the risk of illicit trafficking in the Kyrgyz Republic. By improving the skills of the K-9 Unit, the OSCE and the UK are helping to make the borders-and the region-safer for everyone.
This initiative not only enhances the technical proficiency of the 16 specialists involved but also ensures that the State Border Service is equipped with sustainable, international-standard methodologies.
