BOMCA 10 project: 12-week training course for dog handling instructors in Lithuania completed

On 23 September, the Border Management Programme in Central Asia concluded the training of trainers (ToT) course for dog handling instructors with a specialisation in drug search. This ToT was organised in the context of the BOMCA Programme's Component 2, which aims to enhance detection capacities to counter cross-border crime. This course was developed in line with the standards set out by the European Union and the FRONTEX Agency, and was delivered by representatives from the Lithuanian State Border Guard Service.

The three-month event brought together five trainers, one from each Central Asian country. The main objective was to enhance the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of Central Asian dog handlers in training K9 teams and service dogs for daily border guarding tasks. In line with the course methodology, the training included the procurement of specialised K9 dogs and relevant training equipment, which were used during the training.

A closing ceremony was held at the Dog Handling Centre of the State Border Guard Service of the Republic of Lithuania on 23 September. The ceremony was attended by Timur Urazayev, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the Republic of Lithuania Baigabyl Mamlin, Counselor – consul of the Embassy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Saulius Nekraševičius, Deputy Head of State Border Guard Service, and Donatas Skarnulis, BOMCA project Component 2 Leader. The participants were presented with certificates indicating successful completion of the course, as well as trained dogs and all the necessary equipment.

For additional information about the 10th phase of the Border Management Programme in Central Asia please visit https://www.bomca-eu.org/en/