From 9 to 18 June, the EU-funded Border Management Programme in Central Asia (BOMCA 10) held a regional Training of Trainers (ToT) course and a K9 competition in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The initiative aimed to strengthen the operational capacity of canine units in explosive detection and foster closer cross-border cooperation among Central Asian K9 units.

Since 2022, BOMCA 10 has significantly enhanced K9 services in the region by supporting the development of standard operating procedures (SOPs), providing certified training for K9 instructors in Lithuania and Latvia, delivered service dogs, technical assistance and specialised equipment to national K9 centres. These efforts are part of a wider EU initiative to strengthen detection capacities at borders of cynology units across Central Asia.

The ToT course, led by experts from the Lithuanian and Latvian State Border Guard Services, helped participants deepen their skills in explosive scent detection, practical training techniques, and situational adaptability. It also aimed to enable instructors to conduct similar training within their agencies, ensuring sustainable knowledge transfer and long-term institutional development.

Following the training, a regional K9 competition was held at the Canine Training Centre of Kazakhstan’s Border Service in the Karasai district. Similar to a narcotics detection competition held in Kyrgyzstan in April 2025, this event simulated real-life scenarios, testing K9 teams on explosive detection in luggage, vehicles and buildings, as well as obedience and individual score.

Top-performing teams demonstrated exceptional skill, discipline and coordination. The competition concluded with an award ceremony that recognised both individual dedication and the collective progress.

Full list of winners: