Sniffer dogs take on Ortia’s cargo screening challenges

This month sees the implementation of a new system that uses dogs to clear export cargo more quickly and more effectively than ever before at OR Tambo International Airport. Launched by BIDAir and its partners ICTS Europe, the system is operated through its JV company – ACTS – which will be operational for all Johannesburg cargo handlers and agents from this month. Safety and security remains a key priority for the cargo industry, says Eytan Nevo, managing director of ACTS. “And not just in South Africa, but globally – and one way of addressing it is by using advanced canine techniques such as RASCargO, an innovative cargo screening system using highly trained dogs.” RASCargO, meaning Remote Air Sampling for Canine Olfaction, is the perfect solution for cargo security clearance and for fighting contraband smuggling, says Nevo. “It is already operational at a few major European airports including Charles de Gaulle in Paris, Heathrow in London and Schiphol in Amsterdam.” The system uses dogs to detect explosives and other scents, but instead of the dog going to the cargo, scent samples are taken from sealed cargo and taken to the highly trained dogs. The RASCargO system was developed and is being delivered by DiagNose SAS, an international K9 company specialising in explosive detection dogs in general and specifically in cargo security. “This programme has been specially conceived for large volumes of merchandise as it is fast and effective,” says Nevo. “RASCargO is able to screen up to 40 trucks per hour, and using a matrix based on analyses of two dogs it has very high detection rates and very low false alarms.” It also provides better security and operational efficiency at very fast turnaround times with no need to off-load and screen each parcel individually. While the training of the dogs is very costly, the system is costeffective once in place. According to Nevo, in comparison to an X-ray machine, which can scan some 200 tons per hour at a 65% detection rate and with 3% false alarms, RASCargO outperforms it. “This system checks 1000 tons per hour, has a 90% detection rate and only 1% false alarm. It is more cost-effective and efficient on all counts.”