ORANJESTAD (AAN) – Minister of Justice, Integration, Public Transport, and Energy, Mr. drs. Arthur Dowers, has provided further details regarding the specialized roles within the K-9 Unit. The Minister highlighted the vital function of “opsporings” dogs, which are trained to track and locate individuals, serving as a crucial asset to the Police Corps (Cuerpo Policial).
According to Minister Dowers, these dogs live with their specific handlers, known as ‘hondengeleiders,’ to foster strong working relationships. Their primary expertise lies in finding persons attempting to evade authorities. This skill is essential for intercepting individuals who enter the country illegally, as the dogs can effectively track and locate them even when they attempt to flee from law enforcement.
During a recent morning session, one specialized dog received its official certification. Dowers noted that this specific animal is an expert in its field, well-prepared and talented in locating people. The Minister also addressed the long-term welfare of the unit, confirming that the dogs are cared for by the justice department until they retire with a pension.
Specifically, Dowers recognized Noa, a dog that has served for more than a decade and is now approaching retirement. Despite its small stature, Noa is regarded as one of the most effective dogs in the unit for drug detection, demonstrating the enduring value of the K-9 program in Aruba.
