Hstoday CBP Rookie Scores Big on First Day at Atlanta Airport

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is announcing a notable accomplishment for its newest canine member on its first day on the job. “Flash,” a rescued beagle and the latest addition to the CBP Beagle Squad, successfully identified and helped seize a significant amount of prohibited food items at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

On May 10, Flash, newly trained to detect various agricultural products that pose potential threats to U.S. agriculture, alerted a CBP agricultural specialist to the presence of the luggage of a passenger arriving from Nigeria. Upon further inspection, CBP discovered prohibited items including infested beans, cowhide, herbs, soup mixes, seeds, wood and yams. The vigilant novice dog also discovered fresh fruits, vegetables and meat products. These objects, likely to carry parasites or diseases, were seized and destroyed.

“We are excited to welcome Flash to our Atlanta team,” said Clay Thomas, Atlanta Regional Port Director for CBP. “Its successful detection on its first day underscores the critical role our canine units play in protecting American agriculture.” Thomas added, “Flash’s keen sense of smell and dedicated training are invaluable assets in our ongoing efforts to protect our country. »

The addition of Flash to the Beagle Brigade underscores CBP’s commitment to using innovative and effective measures to prevent the introduction of harmful parasites and diseases into the United States. The use of agricultural detection dogs is a critical part of CBP’s strategy to protect the nation’s agriculture and natural resources.

Rescued and trained at the National Detector Dog Training Center in Newnan, Georgia, Flash’s journey from the Humane Society of Blue Ridge, Georgia to his service at the ATL Airport is a testament to the agency’s dedication to being animals and our homeland security mission. CBP’s Beagle Brigade, with its highly trained dog handlers, continues to be a front-line defense against potential agricultural threats.

Homeland Security Today (HSToday) from the Government Technology & Services Coalition is the premier news and information resource for the homeland security community, dedicated to deepening discussions and ideas that can support a safe and secure nation. A nonprofit magazine and media platform, HSToday provides readers with the whole story, placing facts and comments in context to inform the debate and propose realistic solutions to some of the nation’s most vexing security challenges.