Are Palau’s K-9 units effectively deployed in drug enforcement efforts?

By: Justoria Marie Borja

KOROR, Palau — Concerns are growing about the effectiveness of Palau’s K-9 units in combating illegal drug trafficking. Although the units were established to combat drug trafficking, their involvement in recent counter-narcotics operations has been limited.

K-9 Units and Their Responsibilities

The Transnational Crime Division operates seven police dogs trained in drug and explosive detection. Gyuri, Bolo, Joker, Mare and Mex specialize in drug detection, while Boomer and Replay specialize in bomb finding.

The problem of underutilization

Despite the professional training that the K-9 units receive, their use in drug-related operations has been low over the past two years. Officials of the Narcotics Enforcement Unit (NEU) revealed that the K-9 units, which were transferred to the Transnational Crime Unit two years ago, have never been deployed for drug enforcement or search missions since their transfer to the unit. Detective Lieutenant Miwa Nabeyama confirmed the lack of deployment, raising questions about the underutilization of these resources.

Challenges in deployment

There are many factors that contribute to the current situation. One major issue is the Department of Public Safety’s rotation policy, which requires officers to gain experience in various departments. While this policy is designed to produce well-rounded officers, it creates challenges for specialized units such as K-9 teams. Officers who rotate through different departments often require additional training to effectively deploy and use K-9s. This frequent rotation also leads to inconsistent oversight of the program, as officers in charge of K-9 units are often transferred to different positions, affecting the continuity of the program.

Concerns about the rotation policy were discussed at a recent Senate oversight hearing. Senators stressed the need for adequate training prior to rotation and suggested that officers should be able to voluntarily accept positions to ensure the effectiveness of a professional force.

Adding to the complexity is the appointment of Cary Levitt to oversee security off the island of Palau. While Levitt’s duties are intended to bolster security, his remote position raises questions about the ability of local leadership to meet urgent needs, including deploying a canine unit.

Looking ahead

Palau’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking has highlighted the need for effective utilization of K-9 units. Without strategic changes and improved leadership, these units are likely to remain underutilized, potentially compromising the country’s ability to combat illegal drugs and protect its borders. This situation calls for a reassessment of current policies and practices to ensure Palau’s K-9 units are able to fulfill their critical role in drug enforcement.

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