fighting illicit explosives
In the fight against the illegal use of explosives in South Africa, AECI Mining Explosives has partnered with Vapor Wake K9 South Africa (VWK9SA), the largest locally-owned and fully operational explosives detection patrol K9 company.
VWK9SA was provided with explosives samples to assist in training dogs by AECI Mining Explosives. VWK9SA makes available world-class Vapor Wake® K9 trained dogs specialised in explosives and narcotics detection, as well as tactically trained dogs for security purposes.
Vapor Wake® is a scientifically-based method for selecting, training and employing dogs for the detection of hand-carried and body-worn hazardous materials such as explosives devices. Dogs are trained to follow the scent – or vapour – of odours.
Criminal activities that involve the use of illegal explosives include cash-in-transit heists and ATM bombings. Terrorist attacks using explosives also endanger public safety on a large scale and can severely impact the economic and political stability of a country. The fast detection of explosives from the vapour phase enhances the protection of society. To mitigate the risk furher, VWK9SA also provides immediate and specialised response to bomb threats where unattended packages at airports, for example, or other dangerous items are detected.
Training is conducted in environments that include interiors, exteriors, vehicles, confined spaces and moving targets that are human and non-human as well as a variety of distracting scenarios and real-life settings such as airports, fire departments, casinos, schools, homes and businesses.
According to Brad Wood, VWK9SA’s owner, Vapour Wake® K9 teams are the most effective counter-measure available for the detection of explosives and are experts in searching for a variety of these materials. Teams comprise a SACAA-certified K9 and handler.
“AECI’s involvement in this initiative goes a long way to strengthening our training regime, which is really important in fulfilling our mandate,” said Brad.
Samples of commercial explosives are crucial in training the dogs.
The products supplied by AECI Mining Explosives range from pyrotechnics to propellants and other types of high-impact explosives. “We are not supplying commercial explosives for this application. Instead, we have committed to preparing explosive compounds in a registered explosives laboratory,” said Christo Peltz, Risk and Safety Manager: AECI Mining Explosives. Conversely the materials used in terror attacks, for example, are sometimes prepared in illegal basement/backyard operations and can be inherently unstable, dangerous and not available commercially.
“We have the ability to produce these energetic materials in a licensed, controlled and safe manner, provide small, safe amounts and dispose of them legally once their purpose has been served,” said Christo.
The compound amounts required for training the dogs are small, with just a few grams of each being sufficient. Those receiving the explosives are in possession of an explosives permit, issued by the SAPS Explosives Inspectorate. This permit stipulates the quantity and type of material that may be provided and recipients have the legal obligation to store the products in a safe and secure manner. VWK9SA is fully accredited by the Safety and Security Sector Education and Training Authority, the SAPS Explosives Section and the South African Civil Aviation Authority.