• Submitted by: admin
• Science and Technology
• 10 / 20 / 2007

After going through a rigorous training process, more than 200 canine teams are in place for the prevention and combating of drug trafficking and terrorism in Cuba.

This was reported by Lieutenant Colonel Denis Fernández Sánchez, head of the National Department of Canine Technology of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MININT by its abbreviation in Spanish), during a tour of the national centers of canine breeding and training.

Fernández Sánchez explained that this division, which is focused mainly on impeding the introduction and circulation of drugs within the country, has a prominently preventive function: surveillance and protection of roadways, docks, airports and other vulnerable areas.

"We also have two schools with capacity to train more than 120 canine teams in each training period and two centers for breeding Springer Spaniels and German Shepherds of the highest genetic quality and with top aptitudes for training in six specialties," he said.

Fernandez also said that Cuba has a rescue team and canine teams to cover the needs for tracking operations, which are part of the division of crime scene investigation.

Source: Yuliet Gutiérrez Delgado, Juventud Rebelde

Lieutenant Colonel Fidel Mazorra Veranes, director of the National School of Canine Technology, encourages young people to take an interest in this technique. "Young people, because of their joy, can establish better communications with dogs, and at this moment we are looking for people who are both physically and psychological fit to do this job," he said.

Mazorra added that they are now dedicated to greater specialization, increasing the efficiency of current techniques, and strengthening ties with international canine teams so as to guarantee the quality of the bloodlines of the dogs.

Keywords: canine technique, drug trafficking, terrorism, teams, training, National Department of Canine Technique of the Ministry of Foreign Affaire, MININT, Springer Spaniel, German Shepherd, crime scene investigation, National School of Canine Technique