HM Customs’ new recruit hounds the money launderers

HM Customs’ new recruit hounds the money launderers

Racer, a two-year-old springer spaniel, and his handler, Lucy Riding from HM Customs in London, were invited to the Island last week by their local counterparts to monitor outgoing passengers for signs of suspicious currency.The dog surprised departing passengers by his skill in sniffing out paper currency from any country.Although he did not come across any significant hauls, Racer did turn up several amounts of between £900 and £2,000.

After Customs officers had a quick word with those passengers they were found to be on legitimate business.Racer was taught how to sniff out money during a course at the Metropolitan Police Training School.That training is based on a reward system in which he learnt how to associate the smell of currency with the sound of his favourite toy – a tennis ball – being bounced.He knows that if he finds the cash Miss Riding will hand him a treat, ranging from a pat on the head, a biscuit, and – if he uncovers a big cash haul – he will get the ball.’Racer stares straight at a bag in which he knows there is money and then looks at me to follow it up.

He is so highly motivated that he wants to immediately search another bag,’ Miss Riding said.The Customs canine leaves the job of sniffing out drugs to other dogs – his speciality is solely seeking out smuggled cash.Airport senior Customs officer Alan Mitchell said that drugs brought into the Island had to be paid for and this exercise had been aimed at checking outward flights for signs of illegal cash movements.’We will be evaluating the results of this exercise.

The type of work Racer does is a very useful deterrent,’ Mr Mitchell said.Racer got some time off while in Jersey and was given the chance to chase waves on the beach – a change from doing his best to land traffickers in hot water.

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