The dog days are over for k9 Peter, who has been helping Customs Department for the past 4 years and a half in sniffing out undeclared cash and contraband tobacco. Peter is now officially retired and has been adopted by a Customs employee, into their loving home**.
Peter’s biggest achievement was when he intercepted €33,164 in undeclared cash in a single find, at the Malta International Airport. All in all, Peter bagged 84 positive hits, 27 of which were related to cash seizures, detecting €598,859 in undeclared cash. Peter also sniffed out 54 other cases related to tobacco seizures, totalling to 150kgs and 3 narcotics cases; 1 case of cannabis and another 2 of cocaine.
Amongst his many achievements, Peter boasts of an award under his belt. Back in 2021, he won the Best Dog in Uniform award during Malta’s Animal Honours Award ceremony. Peter has undoubtedly left a legacy and will always be remembered for his excellent olfactory skills, obedience and docility.
Whilst Customs Malta bids k9 Peter farewell and thanks him for his stellar service, a new k9 recruit going by the name of Dezerto is being welcomed to the four-legged team. Dezerto is a young Springer pup, donated to the Department by Tat-Tarġa Kennels in 2022 and is currently undergoing the required training on two commodities.
Originally from Italy, k9 officer Dezerto is eager to learn, responds well to instructions and is obedient. Dezerto is proving to be a promising officer and the Department sees great potential in him. Customs Malta wishes Dezerto all the luck on his new working venture.
** As per internal procedure, a Customs Canine Officer, upon retirement, is usually homed by a Customs employee. If none of the Department’s employees show interest in adopting the sniffer dog, then a suitable home is found for the canine.