Project unleashes drug-sniffing dog
By Claudine San Nicolas, Maui News Staff Writer
MAKAWAO – A dog’s acute sense of smell could help rid Maui school campuses of illegal drugs, alcohol and firearms. At least that’s the hope of a pilot program being unleashed for the first time in Hawaii at Kalama Intermediate School, a campus plagued by numerous reports of alleged drug and alcohol use.
On Wednesday night, approximately 20 parents showed up for a briefing on the program at the school’s cafeteria and to meet Custer, a 62-pound, male golden retriever. The mild-mannered dog is trained and managed by its owner, Whitney White of Interquest Detection Canines of Hawaii. White’s nonprofit agency will oversee the Kalama canine searches, paid for through private donations.
During the meeting with parents, White led Custer through a few areas in the cafeteria and a series of backpacks before he stopped and sniffed out a red backpack containing a sealed plastic bottle of vodka. Custer is trained to sniff out drugs, alcohol and abused medications as well as the scent of gun powder.
The dog will debut with Kalama students and faculty this morning during the school’s homeroom period. It’s the only time Custer will be expected by students. Future visits – to start within two weeks – will be unannounced.
