The National Drug Control Agency (DNCD) inaugurated new facilities at the Regional Canine Training Center in Bonao yesterday, Tuesday 7 October 2014. The unit began in 1998 when the US donated 15 trained dogs.
The center will train dogs for detecting drugs, explosives and money. The US Southern Command contributed US$1.5 million for the construction of the center as part of its support for combating drug trafficking. The Office for International Narcotics Affairs of the US Department of State contributed an additional US$300,000 for the purchase of 40 dogs.
The center will train handlers and dogs for operations in Latin America. It is located at Km. 63 of the Duarte Highway and has added capacity for 24 additional dogs to the 66 dog total. It also has housing facilities for Dominican and foreign dog handlers in training at the center.
US Ambassador James Brewster attended the event together with the DNCD president, Major General Julio Cesar Souffront.