Two just-retired U.S. Customs Service officers responsible for a combined 287 seizures of over $88 million worth of illegal drugs are now looking forward to leading more sedate lives of chasing Frisbees and burying bones.

Veteran drug-sniffing dogs "T-Bone" and "Wendy" were honored for their contributions to the war on drugs by their fellow Customs officers at the San Luis, Arizona port of entry in a well-deserved retirement ceremony on Wednesday, January 9, 2002.

"T-Bone" is credited with 156 drug seizures during his 5-1/2 year Customs Service career. The black Labrador stopped more than $48 million worth of narcotics from hitting American streets since beginning his Customs career on June 20, 1996.

German Shepard "Wendy" sniffed out almost $40 million worth of drugs in 131 seizures during her 6-1/2 year Customs Service career which began on May 5, 1995.

"T-Bone" and "Wendy" were awarded specially decorated bone shaped cakes and other goodies during the retirement ceremony. True to the customs of the Customs Service, both dogs were adopted by their human partners. Their Days of ferreting out drug loads will be replaced by lazy days of lounging in the Arizona sun and barking at the occasional visitor.

The San Luis port of entry utilizes a dozen U.S. Customs Service canine teams. The officers who are losing their dogs to retirement will receive newly trained canines to continue in their efforts to stop illegal drugs at the busy port.

Canine-human enforcement teams are assigned to airports and seaports alternate between examining aircraft, vessels, baggage, cargo, and mail. Dogs are trained to detect all types of concealed narcotics and other dangerous drugs. Some dogs are even taught to detect currency. 

About the Canine Drug Enforcement Program
The U.S. government selects most dogs to be trained for Customs Service duty from animal shelters and rescue leagues. Some dogs are purchased through contract vendors or accepted as donations from private citizens.

During 1998-1999 alone, Customs Service canine teams were involved in over 11,000 narcotic or currency related seizures. The street value of the narcotics uncovered by the canines exceeded several billion dollars. The dogs detected approximately 631,909 pounds of marijuana, 50,748 pounds of cocaine, 358 pounds of heroin, and $25.5 million in currency.

The dogs and their human partners work full 8-hour days. The dogs continue to serve as long as they can successfully perform and meet workload requirements. Upon retirement, the dogs are usually adopted by their handlers or a good home is found for them.

The U.S. Customs Service is a bureau of the U.S. Treasury (all Treasury Bureaus).

Waging Your Own War on Drugs
Because policing the borders is a daunting task, the U.S. Customs Service seeks the help of the public in the fight against drugs and drug smuggling. The public is urged to report suspected drug smuggling activity to the nearest U.S. Customs Office or call the 24 hour tipline at: 1-800-BE-ALERT. You will remain anonymous and could receive a cash award for your information.