European Championship success for Revenue customs dog handlers and detection dogs

In April 2024, some of our detector dog teams participated in the “European Open Championship for Custom Dog Handlers & Detection Dogs”, which was hosted in Latvia.

Three of our officers attended, namely Alan Foley, Sarah Fagan and Ian Kavanagh, representing Ireland among a total of 15 teams from Europe. Our team came a very commendable fourth place overall in the competition.

Our dog handler, Ian Kavanagh, alongside his dog James, achieved second place in the Drugs Searching category. Sarah Fagan, with her dog Maggie, were successful in acquiring third place in the Cash Searching category.

While the aim of the event was primarily to provide an opportunity to exchange practical experiences in conjunction with an occasion to develop canine skill detection, the competition also evaluated skills in searches conducted for drugs and, or cash in luggage, vehicles, and premises.

We are very proud of our detector dogs and their handlers, and the essential work they do in preventing, detecting, and intercepting prohibited or restricted good intended to be smuggled or illegally imported into, or exported from, the State.