the European Union (EU), organised a regional advanced ToT training and K9 competition for customs, border, and law enforcement agencies of Central Asia. The event aimed to foster cooperation between K9 units and promote the continuous transfer of knowledge and practical skills in the field. It was hosted at the newly renovated K9 Regional Training Centre of the State Customs Service under the Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic in Leninskoe village, Kyrgyzstan.

In the week leading up to the competition, K9 instructors and their four-legged teammates from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan who in 2022 and 2024 completed TOT session in Latvia and Lithuania, participated in a four-day advanced training of trainers (ToT) on narcotics detection. Following EU best practices, the course deepened both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, while also presented innovative tools and strategies to enhance search efficiency and address evolving smuggling tactics. Training was delivered by BOMCA 10 experts from Lithuania and Latvia, who also served as competition judges, ensuring alignment between instruction and evaluation.

Following the ToT, a two-day competition as a practical extension of the training was held. While the canine handlers and service dogs were preparing for the competition, a guided tour was organised at the facility to showcase the infrastructure improvements made under the BOMCA 10 Programme (renovated training field and dog cages), which significantly enhanced the capacity of the training centre to host national and international level activities. During the opening ceremony, Kyyalbek Mukashev, Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Service under the Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic, highlighted the close connection between the development of the canine service within the customs authorities and the BOMCA programme, which played a key role in its establishment during previous phases of BOMCA programme.

The competition featured four nominations, highlighting different skill sets - from narcotics detection in luggage and buildings to obedience and overall personal performance score. In the luggage detection category, the K9 unit from Kyrgyzstan demonstrated outstanding precision, securing first place. Tajikistan earned top honours in indoor search operations, reflecting strong preparation and expertise. The Kyrgyzstan team also excelled in the obedience category, while the team from Uzbekistan claimed victory in the overall personal performance category, highlighting consistent excellence across all disciplines. These results reflected both individual national achievements and the shared progress fostered by regional collaboration and unified training standards.

During inauguration ceremony, Hans Farnhammer, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic, emphasised: "The European Union reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with the five Central Asian countries on border management, building upon the achievements of BOMCA10. Looking ahead, we appreciate the continuation of successful initiatives and events that will further strengthen this partnership."

These events marked another important step in strengthening regional cooperation, professional standards, and cross-border trust among Central Asian canine units. Through joint training and competition, BOMCA 10 continues to foster a unified approach to border security as part of the EU’s sustainable support in the region, ensuring continuity by building on the achievements of its previous actions. As a result of these activities, the Chiefs of K9 Units from the border, customs, and law enforcement agencies of Central Asia signed a joint statement, committing to reinforce cooperation at both bilateral and regional levels.

Full list of winners: