Samoa Strengthens Border Security with New K9 Unit

By Jeannie Penehuro/

Apia, SAMOA – 13 April 2026: Samoa’s border security and law enforcement capabilities have been strengthened with the addition of a new narcotics detection dog, Willow.

The induction marks a vital step in enhancing Samoa’s operational capacity to combat drug trafficking and other illicit activities.

The detector dogs, including Willow, are purpose-bred from proven bloodlines, ensuring they possess the reliability, development, and capabilities essential for detection work.

The combination of high-quality training and carefully selected dogs ensures Samoa’s K9 unit meets international standards in detection and enforcement.

The induction event last Friday also recognized Customs Officer Robert Pitoitua and Constable Miracle Malaefono, who have now been certified as narcotics detector dog handlers.

The detector dogs initiative comes under the collaborative efforts of the New Zealand Police and Customs Pacific Detective Dog Programme, supported by New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Aid Programme, which facilitated specialized training and provision of highly trained detection dogs.

Group Photo of K9 Unit Induction Ceremony

New Zealand High Commissioner, Her Excellency Si’alei Van Toor emphasized the importance of this development, noting that the milestone would boost Samoa’s security framework.

A key component of the initiative is the delivery of advanced courses in New Zealand, where Pacific Detective Dog Teams acquire vital skills and practical experience.

The Minister of Customs, Masinalupe Leatuavao Makesi Pisi, highlighted the significance of the graduates’ achievements, stating that Detector Dog Willow and her handler Benjamin Milo successfully completed the narcotic detection training in New Zealand.

Minister of Customs, Masinalupe Leatuavao Makesi Pisi speaking during the K9 induction ceremony.

According to the Ministry of Customs, Samoa’s commitment to expanding its K9 capabilities, with plans for additional detector dogs and handler training scheduled for later this year.

Since the proposal was submitted on 24 September 2025, under the Pacific Detector Dog Programme, Samoa has secured funding for two more narcotics detection dogs and training placements.

This progress underscores Samoa’s dedication to building a robust, sustainable K9 unit, which, once fully established, will consist of three Customs detector dogs, three handlers, and three support scouts.

When combined with the police K9 capability, the Samoa joint K9 Unit will operate with four detector dogs under a unified framework.

The event concluded with the Minister of Customs presenting certificates to three newly certified dog handlers.