see also: in January 2002:   U.S. Customs Agents Search Wire Transfer Firm Suspected of Sending Millions to Iraq in Violation of Embargo   U.S. Customs Names New Assistant Commissioner, Congressional Affairs   U.S. Customs Service Inspectors Locate 1,700 Pound Marijuana Load   U.S. Customs Publishes List of First Disbursements Under the Continued Dumping and Subsidy Offset Act of 2000   Area U.S. Customs Service Officers Seize More Than Two Tons of Marijuana   Customs Heroin, Cocaine Seizures Up   International Customs Day ...more on cbp.gov:   Canine Programs

contacts for this news release

San Luis, Ariz. -- U.S. Customs Service officers at the San Luis port of entry will say goodbye to two of their best four-footed colleagues on Wednesday. U.S. Customs Service drug-sniffing dogs "Wendy" and "T-Bone" will be recognized for their contributions during a noon ceremony on January 9. The media is invited.

U.S. Customs Service drug-sniffing dog "T-bone" was responsible for 156 drug seizures during his 5-½ year career. The black Labrador is responsible for stopping more than $48 million worth of narcotics and property since beginning his Customs career on June 20, 1996.

U.S. Customs Service drug-sniffing dog "Wendy" was responsible for 131 drug seizures during her 6-½ year career. The German Shepherd is responsible for stopping almost $40 million in narcotics and property since beginning her Customs career on May 5, 1995.

Customs officers are planning to reward the canines with a special bone shaped cake and other goodies during the send-off celebration. After the retirement ceremony, their handlers will adopt both dogs. Days of ferreting out drug loads will be replaced by lazy days of lounging in the Arizona sun and barking at the occasional visitor.

The San Luis port of entry utilizes a dozen U.S. Customs Service canine teams. The officers who are losing their dogs to retirement will receive newly trained canines to continue in their efforts to stop illegal drugs at the busy port.