They don’t wear uniforms, don’t carry seals, and don’t speak. But their contribution to the controls is crucial. The 27 specially trained dogs of the AADE now form the first line of defence against the trafficking of drugs, smuggled tobacco products and undeclared cash at all points of entry and exit in the country.

Just a few 24 hours ago, customs inspectors at the Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos”, with the assistance of the Diego detection dog, detected and seized 17 kilos of cocaine in the baggage of a passenger from Brazil.

The man, of Italian nationality, was immediately arrested and taken to the prosecutor, while according to the annual report of the Coordinating Body for Drug Control, the value of the seized quantity may exceed €1.7 million.

Another detective detector of the AADE, some time ago, found illegal cash of more than 80,000 euros in the luggage of a passenger preparing to board a foreign flight. The billswere carefully hidden among clothing, toys and personal items, but the four-legged taxman’s nose was not… misled.

The AADE’s dogs are divided into three operational categories:

– 14 dogs detect drugs,

– 6 dogs detect tobacco products,

– 7 are trained to detect banknotes, even distinguishing the ink of banknotes, even if they are wrapped in sheets, hidden in lockers, and even sewn into clothing linings.

Their training is ongoing, with technical support from the customs authorities of France, Germany and the Netherlands. They also participate in unannounced inspections of warehouses, logistics centers and transport companies, and assist in joint operations with other authorities, such as the Coast Guard and the DEA.

Their action is quiet but effective. With noses “trained” on the ink of banknotes and the smell of cocaine, cannabis or tobacco, the dogs detect illegalities that escape the human eye. Their presence at checkpoints has become indispensable, and training seminars and technical support from European customs authorities are constantly enhancing their skills.

It could be said that these four-legged officials are the most silent but also the most effective tool of the AADE in the war against the underground economy. And they may not get a bonus, but they have something valuable: a look that cannot be fooled and a nose that does not forgive.