The dog team consists of a dog team leader, dog handler and a detector dog.  The current detector dog is a young English springer spaniel called Samuel.  Samuel joined the service in June 2005 and following an intense training program Samuel and his handler received certification from a National dog inspectorate allowing him to work operationally for the Customs and Immigration Service.

Samuel was trained with genuine controlled drugs or samples that have been impregnated with the scent of a controlled drug, but contrary to popular belief, the dog does not become dependant on drugs and is not allowed to come into direct contact with drugs.  Training is based upon affection, reward and fulfilment of the dog’s basic hunting instincts and Samuel is rewarded, by his handler, with a small toy which, to Samuel, is his reward for detecting a controlled drug.

During the course of operational duties, detector dogs will be seen at the States Airport, Harbour and other environments undertaking searches of members of the public, vehicles, vessels, aircraft or properties.  If any person does anything which impedes or is calculated to impede the carrying out of any search by Samuel or his handler for a controlled drug or any thing liable for forfeiture that person will be liable on conviction to a fine or term of imprisonment.