Three new canine recruits have officially joined the Bulgarian Customs Agency to bolster border security and intercept illegal goods. Named Merlin, Luna, and Dewey, the specialized working dogs were gifted by the British National Crime Agency as part of a large project K9.
The animals were formally handed over during a ceremony at the residence of British Ambassador Nathaniel Copsey. Bulgarian Customs Agency Director Nikolay Shushkov and Deputy Director Stefan Bakalov attended the event, alongside the British diplomat. Following security protocols, media representatives were not permitted to photograph the handlers.
Specialized Training and Deployment Locations
The newly arrived dogs range in age from 11 to 16 months and possess specific detection training. Merlin and Dewey are male Cocker Spaniels, while Luna is a female black Labrador Retriever. The trio is trained to detect illicit drugs, currency, weapons, and small watercraft.
Deployment assignments vary by animal and operational need. Merlin and Luna will rotate shifts across three border checkpoints: Kapitan Andreevo, Lesovo, and Malko Tarnovo. Meanwhile, Dewey is assigned to “Vasil Levski” airport, where the spaniel will screen cargo shipments, postal and courier packages, and passenger baggage.
Prior to their deployment in Bulgaria, the dogs underwent initial training in the United Kingdom. They completed an additional preparation phase at the Kapitan Andreevo checkpoint alongside British services to ensure local operational readiness.
Cross-Border Cooperation and Security Partnership
Bulgarian Customs leadership welcomed the addition of the new resources, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the transfer. Nikolay Shushkov noted that the dogs represent the continuation of a large project K9 aimed at strengthening enforcement operations side-by-side with international partners.
Ambassador Nathaniel Copsey described the handover as part of an ongoing partnership built on shared goals. He stated that the deployment of Merlin, Luna, and Dewey reinforces a joint commitment to public safety and cross-border security.
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