Guam Customs welcomes new dog handlers; first females in drug unit

The Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency is making history by welcoming new dog handlers to both its Drug Detector Dog Unit and Agriculture Canine Unit. This significant milestone enhances protection for our island's borders and marks the first time female dog handlers have joined the group.

Customs' fight against drug importation to the island relies heavily on a powerful partnership: drug-sniffing dogs and their dedicated handlers. The agency’s drug detector dog unit has welcomed four new handlers, including the first-ever females in its history: Officers Naomi Cruz and Kiani Barcinas. 

 “To me, it’s really an honor," Cruz shared proudly.  It's an honor shared by her fellow trailblazer who looks to protect our borders, as Barcinas said, “Whatever we can get off the streets, it’s a win.”

Guam CQA director Ike Peredo noted during the group’s graduation ceremony that Customs officers seized nearly 71 pounds of methamphetamine just this year. It’s critical work supported by the new graduates who now bring their unit’s number of handlers back up to nine, though the agency requires 18 dog teams to be ideal. 

The handlers went through three months of intensive training by certified narcotics detection instructors within the agency.  “It was a lot," Barcinas recollected. "Some days were good days, some days were bad days within our training.” there are a lot of things you have to remember and apply during the training–one day it’ll work, the next it won’t–so every day, you have to just go with it.”

During that process, the handlers also building a bond with their K-9 partners – D.D. India and Becky.   “Of course, respect them because they are our partners; continue to train with them, bond with them, and understand them," Cruz said.

It’s an unforgettable career path they hope other female officers will follow, with Barcinas saying, “Just do it! Don’t let anyone tell you you can’t.”

In the meantime, CQA’s Agriculture Canine Unit is also welcoming three new dog handlers, who graduated from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Detector Dog Training Center in Newnan, Georgia.