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7th WCO Global Canine Forum strengthens international cooperation against illicit drug trafficking

• Customs canine handlers and experts gathered in Uzbekistan for the WCO Global Canine Forum to share approaches for using detector dogs against increasingly sophisticated drug-trafficking methods.
• Canine handlers and their dogs are one of the most effective tools to support Customs enforcement and support the protection of society.
• The WCO promoted two new instruments to strengthen canine programmes worldwide and provide a common framework for professional, effective and high-quality canine programmes. 

Customs canine programme leaders from around the world gathered in Tashkent, Uzbekistan for the 7^th WCO Global Canine Forum, hosted by the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan. The Forum took place from 7 to 9 September 2026 and provided a platform for Members to exchange operational experience, share best practices and strengthen international cooperation in the use of canine teams to combat illicit drug trafficking and protect borders.

Sharing expertise to address evolving threats

Following the previous Forum held in Hong Kong in March 2024, the 7th edition brought together more than 150 participants from 50 countries, including representatives of Customs administrations and experts from more than 15 international organizations to discuss common challenges and emerging threats affecting Customs canine operations.

Participants exchanged experiences on the effective deployment and management of canine teams, explored new approaches and methods, and strengthened professional networks. The discussions underscored the importance of sharing knowledge and operational experience to ensure that canine programmes remain effective in responding to increasingly sophisticated trafficking methods. 

Addressing the Global Synthetic Drugs Threat through Enhanced Canine Detection Capabilities

The Forum provided an opportunity for the WCO Canine Expert to brief Members on the Synthetic Drugs Detection Project (SDDP) and its canine-related initiatives, as well as to provide updates on ongoing and planned activities.

The SDDP aims to contribute to reducing drug trafficking by strengthening detection capabilities, enhancing internal coordination and fostering international cooperation to more effectively counter the activities of Organized Crime Groups (OCGs).

During the session, the WCO Canine Expert highlighted the growing challenges posed by synthetic drugs, which are increasingly gaining ground in illicit drug markets. Against this evolving threat landscape, the SDDP supports Members in strengthening the capacity of canine teams to detect synthetic drugs and in promoting the development and sharing of effective practices.

The Project’s activities are structured around two complementary pillars:

Strengthening synthetic drug detection capabilities through scoping missions to assess national needs and capabilities, national training to strengthen operational capacity, and regional workshops to facilitate practical cooperation and the exchange of expertise.

Promoting best practices and guidelines through knowledge-sharing among Members and experts and strengthened multilateral connections.

Through these initiatives, the SDDP seeks to strengthen the ability of Customs administrations to respond to the rapidly evolving synthetic drugs threat, while fostering greater cooperation and knowledge-sharing across the WCO membership.

In line with these initiatives, the Forum provided an opportunity to promote two key WCO instruments endorsed by the WCO Council in June 2026: the Best Practice Compendiums for Canine Programmes: Best Practices and Guidelines and the Accreditation Standards for WCO Regional Dog Training Centres (RDTCs).

These instruments are designed to support Members in establishing and sustaining effective, professional and high-quality canine programmes.

Strengthening global Customs cooperation

Opening the Forum, WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders thanked the Chairman of the Customs Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Akmalhuja Mavlonov, for hosting the event and commended the Uzbek Customs administration for its outstanding organization.

The event was particularly significant as it is the first WCO event of this scale in Central Asia, while also coinciding with the 30th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s National Canine (K-9) Center.

In his opening remarks, Secretary General Saunders stressed that tackling illicit drug trafficking requires coordinated action across borders and the use of all tools available to Customs – including the specialized skills of detector dogs and their handlers.

He encouraged Customs administrations to share knowledge and operational experience to continually strengthen canine capabilities and international partnerships and to work collectively to address both existing and emerging threats.

Celebrating 30 years of canine expertise

A visit to the Uzbekistan Canine Centre marked its 30th anniversary and recognized its role as a WCO Regional Dog Training Centre since 2008. The tour highlighted state-of-the-art veterinary equipment and kennel facilities supporting both puppies and adult working dogs. Canine demonstrations showcased a variety of detection capabilities, including drugs, explosives, weapons and concealed persons, as well as protection dogs demonstrating apprehension techniques.

The anniversary provided an opportunity to recognize the achievements of Uzbekistan’s canine programme and its contribution to international Customs cooperation. 

Building stronger borders through cooperation

The 7th WCO Global Canine Forum demonstrated once again that effective canine programmes depend not only on well-trained dogs and handlers, but also on shared expertise, common standards and strong international cooperation.

As illicit trafficking networks continue to evolve, Customs administrations will need to remain agile and connected. The Forum provided a valuable platform to strengthen those connections and support Members in making the best possible use of canine capabilities to protect borders and disrupt illicit trafficking.

(source: https://www.wcoomd.org/en/media/newsroom/2026/september/7th-wco-global-canine-forum-strengthens-international-cooperation.aspx)