Opening of new Tongan detector dog facility

New Zealand Customs Minister Casey Costello will travel to Tonga to attend the official opening of the country’s second detector dog facility in Vava’u. The facility is designed to strengthen Tonga’s border security and support efforts to combat organised crime and drug trafficking. New Zealand Customs and Police collaborated with Tonga Police and the Ministry of Revenue and Customs to deliver the project, which was constructed locally.

The new facility, located within the Tonga Police compound in Neiafu, will serve as a secure base for detector dog teams on Vava’u. It will enhance screening of passengers, baggage, cargo, and maritime activity while enabling longer operational deployments. The facility is jointly owned by Tonga Police and Tonga Customs, reflecting a shared commitment to border security.

Three detector dog teams are already operational in Nuku’alofa, with two additional teams—one from Tonga Police and one from Tonga Customs—currently training in New Zealand. These teams will support operations from the new Vava’u facility once fully established. The project is part of the Pacific Detector Dog Programme, which focuses on sustainable, locally led capability building.

The opening event on Friday morning will be attended by Tongan Deputy Prime Minister Dr Viliami Uasike Latu, Minister of Revenue and Customs Hon Sevenitini Toumo’ua, and the Governor of Vava’u, Lord Fakatulolo. Minister Costello will return to New Zealand the following evening.