Samoa has a new officer walking the beat detecting drugs.
Flame the black Labrador arrived in Samoa from New Zealand on October 18 and has just started work, sniffing for drugs on the island nation.
She arrived as part of the Pacific Dog Detector Program (PDDP), which is run by the Police Dog Section, and funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The PDDP has been running for 10 years, training dogs and handlers for work in Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands and Fiji.
Flame has arrived to replace a retiring detector dog 'Boss', after working in Samoa since 2010. Boss will remain in his home in Samoa.
Police say Flame has performed well throughout her training and is an energetic dog. Once she has more experience, she will be trained to detect firearms.
Inspector Todd Southall says Customs is also working with Police to ensure the dogs are getting the best training available to them.
"Customs have been invaluable around border control and intelligence training, as well as assisting with dog training," he said.
"We really value this partnership and are proud of the fantastic work we are doing to help our Pacific neighbours in this area."
Newshub.
