The OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina today marked a significant step in strengthening the country’s K-9 capacities by inaugurating upgraded infrastructure at the Border Police K-9 Unit at Sarajevo International Airport, presenting K-9 specialized equipment for police K-9 units of four jurisdictions in BiH, and unveiling the Master Plan of K-9 Units in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Together, these measures will enhance the ability of law enforcement agencies to detect weapons, ammunition and explosives, prevent illicit trafficking, and strengthen public safety across the country.
“The role of K-9 police units in safeguarding the security of Bosnia and Herzegovina and its citizens is indispensable,” said Ambassador Rick Holtzapple, Head of the OSCE Mission to Bosnia and Herzegovina. “Today’s investments in infrastructure, specialized equipment, and professional training reflect our long-term commitment to strengthening the operational capacities of law enforcement agencies across the country. Together with the Master Plan of K-9 Units in Bosnia and Herzegovina, they provide a strong foundation for further enhancing K-9 capabilities and addressing evolving security threats.”
The ceremony marked the official handover of six upgraded and newly built K-9 facilities, including those of the Border Police of Bosnia and Herzegovina at Sarajevo International Airport, the Brčko District Police, the Ministry of Interior of Republika Srpska in Zalužani and Trebinje, and the Ministries of Interior of Zenica-Doboj and Tuzla Cantons. Specialized equipment was also presented for the K-9 units of the Ministries of Interior of Sarajevo Canton, Bosnian-Podrinje Canton Goražde, Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, and Central Bosnia Canton. The Mission continues to complement this support through specialized national, regional, and international training programmes for K-9 handlers.
These activities are implemented as part of the OSCE Mission’s extra-budgetary project, Addressing Security and Safety Risks of Illegal Possession, Misuse and Trafficking of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) and their Ammunition in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the generous support of Austria, Czechia, the European Union, France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Norway, Slovakia, Spain, Türkiye, and the United States.
