Golden Retrievers at the Border: America's Fentanyl-Fighting Heroes

Goose, a Golden Retriever, is part of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's canine team that uses highly trained dogs to detect fentanyl and other drugs at the Mexico-U.S. border. Despite advanced technology, dogs' acute sense of smell remains crucial in intercepting synthetic opioids, saving countless lives.

One of America's most valuable defenders against fentanyl trafficking at the Mexico border uses his nose to root out illicit drugs, an old-school technique that authorities say is a key to reducing the flow of deadly synthetic opioids. Goose, an enthusiastic Golden Retriever, weaves through a sea of idling cars on a warm afternoon at San Diego's massive legal border crossing, one of the most transited in the world with roughly 100,000 people entering the U.S. each day.

The border crossing is open around the clock and dogs contend with exhaust fumes, hot pavement, and unpredictable workdays that can go from routine to tense in seconds. Now Goose and his handler, customs officer Joseph Arcia, trek inside to demonstrate to Reuters how the six-year-old canine can sniff out his training chew toy among the throngs of pedestrians crossing into the U.S. on foot, replicating what he and other dogs do to detect fentanyl and other contraband daily.

Despite millions of dollars in technology that allows CBP to scan vehicles and data analytics that help target possible smugglers, a dog's sense of smell remains a vital tool for uncovering fentanyl and other narcotics. An estimated 75,000 people died from synthetic opioid overdoses in 2023, mostly involving fentanyl, according to the U.S. CDC. The majority of CBP fentanyl seizures occur at legal border crossings in Arizona and California.

(With inputs from agencies.)