dinero_admin 
The United States government, through its Embassy in El Salvador and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), presented six new canines today. These dogs are now joining handler teams and beginning their training at the Escuela Canina de la Policía Nacional Civil (PNC). Valued at over $86,000, these new canine agents bring the U.S. government’s total investment in the canine program to nearly $300,000. Following their training, the new dogs will assist in detecting illicit drugs, currency, and human remains. Their work will bolster El Salvador’s capacity to combat drug trafficking, money laundering, and other illicit activities at points of entry and throughout the country.
Thomas Lyons, the INL Director in El Salvador, began his visit at the Canine School facilities. He was accompanied by deputy director of Investigations Commissioner Walter Lazo, the new head of the Canine School Sub-Inspector Víctor Manuel García, and the outgoing head of the Canine School, Inspector Carlos Bolaños Chacón. During the visit, Lyons toured the facilities and met with the PNC handler teams and their canine partners.
The visit coincided with the PNC’s annual celebration honoring Saint Francis of Assisi—the patron saint of animals, whom the institution regards as the protector of its canines. During this part of the program, the Minister of Public Security and Justice, Gustavo Villatoro, acknowledged the important work performed by the canine unit teams. INL Director Lyons also recognized the work carried out by the members of the canine unit. “El Salvador is a key partner in the fight against transnational crime. These six canines join a team that has demonstrated concrete results in border protection and the security of both our countries”, stated Mr. Lyons.
A partnership with concrete results:
Since 2020, the PNC canine unit has contributed to the seizure of over 2.4 metric tons of cocaine, nearly a metric ton of marijuana, and more than $3.1 million in cash, as well as facilitating 861 arrests. These results reflect the cooperation between the United States and El Salvador regarding border security, combating drug trafficking, search and rescue operations during natural disasters, and regional security. The United States reaffirms its commitment to working with El Salvador to dismantle criminal networks, protect communities, and promote the security and prosperity of both nations.
This cooperation regarding the canine unit began in 1994, when INL sent the first two teams of PNC canine handlers to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) canine academy in West Virginia. Since the Canine Unit’s inception, the United States has donated 127 dogs; 45 are currently active, forming part of the handler-canine teams tasked with combating illicit activities.
The United States has invested over $115,000 in fiscal year 2025, which ends in September, bringing its total investment since 1994 to nearly $6 million. This support includes the provision of canines, training in the detection of natural and synthetic drugs (including fentanyl), mentoring, veterinary training for handlers, and equipment and infrastructure. The United States also supported the expansion of the Canine School and the construction of canine facilities at the borders.
You can also read:
