Security companies link up to provide sniffer dog option

Two security companies have linked their talents together to introduce specially trained “sniffer” dogs to air and sea cargo security. The joint venture combines the experience of air cargo security consultants, Professional Risk & Asset Management (PRAM), with the skills of the sniffer dogs trained by Mechem – a subsidiary of Denel, and a global leader in this specialised canine training. The dogs to be used in the cargo security scheme, for example, can detect dangerous cargo such as explosives, and contraband including drugs, ivory and rhino horn. Outlining the motivation behind this security service, Bob Garbett, MD of PRAM, told FTW that, worldwide, 80 % of air cargo is carried in the cargo holds of passenger aircraft. “Since the 9/11 catastrophe in the US,” he said, “SA has imposed stringent, internationally-accepted safety controls which include the regulation that no aircraft operating in or out of the country may carry cargo that has not been specifically security checked. “With these regulations applying to airlines, forwarding and courier agents as well as all other entities that despatch cargo by air, we have initially targeted this airfreight market.” Meanwhile, Ashley Williams, Mechem CEO, pointed out that the partners intended to extend their air cargo security expertise into Africa where Mechem has offices in various countries. “The benefit of safer skies over Africa – where there currently is a critical lack of air cargo security – will be significantly enhanced by this expansion plan,” he added. But the Mechem/ Professional team also intends to become active in the clearing of export seafreight containers. “This,” said Garbett, “will be a process that will involve the security authorities of countries with which SA trades, and through which seafreight containers transit on their journey to their final destination. “I am confident that it will make an enormous contribution to air travel safety and the security of sea freight”.