The Cook Islands have strengthened security with two drug detection dogs to be stationed at Rarotonga International Airport in a few weeks.
Two dog handlers Detective Senior Constable, Vainenooroa Ngametua and Constable Mautara Cummings graduated at New Zealand's Police dog centre last week with the two dogs, Munro and Xela.
Cook Islands police Inspector ,John Hoskings, says the two dogs are a huge boost to security.
"Right now security is the big problem in the Pacific and this programme the dog policing programme will be a success in the region and we're looking foward to Nga and Mautara bringing Munroe and Xela back to the Cook Islands."
The handlers graduated under the Police Dog Programme which is supported by the government's Pacific Security Fund.
Agencies draw money from the fund to protect New Zealand's security interests and reduce the risks operating through Pacific countries.
