In the first instalment of a series profiling Luxembourg’s Customs and Excise Agency, our colleagues from RTL.lu accompanied Carole Nau and her detection dog Gwen during a routine inspection at the Cargo Centre.
“Each morning we identify high-interest shipments, for instance from Mexico,” Nau explained. The screening involves Gwen systematically walking past containers – any alert triggers an X-ray scan of the suspicious shipment.
The Dutch Shepherd specialises in detecting narcotics (from cannabis to hard drugs) and large currency amounts in all denominations.
Her most significant find to date? €1 million in undeclared cash.
“For her, this is all one big game and it should remain that way,” Nau noted.
In fact, according to Nau, the playful approach is what makes the difference and part of the success.
Their partnership relies on nonverbal communication: “We’re trained together – I read my dog and my dog reads me.”
When asked about their bond, Nau was unequivocal: “She’s also part of the family. When Gwen is done with work, she comes home with me, lives with the family, with the other dogs. Like a family member.”
During this particular inspection, the Mexico-bound cargo cleared without incident.
