A retired Border Patrol dog named Milan, a German Shepherd, has concluded his distinguished career by preventing 400 pounds of illegal drugs from entering the U.S.
Over six years, the 8-year-old canine detected significant amounts of drugs: 122 pounds of marijuana, 253 pounds of cocaine, 45 pounds of ecstasy, and five pounds of methane at the Miami port.
His handler, Michael Schwank from U.S. Customs and Border Protection, described Milan as a dedicated and lively worker. “All he wanted to do was work,” he said.
Schwank regarded Milan as more than just a dog; he was a daily partner in uncovering contraband ranging from small quantities of ecstasy to large shipments of liquid drugs.
Milan handled the challenging job under the sun and performed exceptionally well. A Long Island-based organization, which focuses on pairing animals with veterans and first responders, is assisting in finding Milan a new home post-retirement.
Unfortunately, Milan had to retire due to signs of spinal disease, which is not uncommon for dogs with degenerated discs. Schwank expressed how difficult it was to part with him, stating, “It choked me.”
Paws of War is covering Milan’s current and future medical expenses and plans to place him with someone who has experience handling dogs like him. They aim to make the transition smoother by incorporating role-playing practices that resonate with Milan’s previous training.
Schwank invested two years training Milan at the Customs and Border Protection facility in El Paso. He reflected on the sacrifices these dogs make to keep communities safer, noting the vital role Milan played in intercepting drugs and potentially saving lives.
Customs and Border Protection Program Manager Alexander Hernandez praised the duo, calling them “an incredible team” dedicated to securing the nation’s borders.
Since the implementation of canine units in 1986, the agency has expanded to over 530 dog teams deployed across the country to combat illegal immigration and drug smuggling.
