News Japan's top drug-sniffing dog retires

According to Tokyo Customs' Narita branch, Melba found a total of 29.94 kilograms of illegal stimulants, with a street value of about 1.8 billion yen (roughly $12 million) at the time, in two suitcases of a Canadian passenger arriving at Narita Airport on a flight from Montreal in February 2019. The drug was divided into a total of 30 plastic bags containing approximately 1 kg each, which were cleverly concealed by wrapping them in clothing, but Melva did not overlook them. This amount is still the largest ever found by a drug-sniffing dog in Japan after they were introduced to such work in 1979. Melba has a high learning ability, and while simulation training to find illegal drugs is conducted to maintain her abilities, she quickly recognizes that it is training even when the simulation methods are elaborately made. The handler said, "She carefully observes people's movements and gestures and knows if you make a pattern. Melba is one step ahead of us." Other than a few exceptions, Japan's customs office retires drug-sniffing dogs after seven years of service in principle because they lose strength due to ageing. Customs are continuing inspections while paying close attention to Melba's physical condition as retirement approaches.

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