Published on Tuesday, August 18, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Three K-9 agents, Bronco, Kojak and Shek, retired Tuesday after serving Costa Rica for several years as specialists in detecting drugs and explosives, the Ministry of Public Security (MSP) said.

The three dogs were members of the Canine Unit of the Air Surveillance Service (SVA) and took part in police operations at Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela Province and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Guanacaste Province, according to authorities.

Bronco, a black Labrador retriever, served for five years as a drug-detection specialist with the SVA’s Canine Unit. Labrador retrievers are among the breeds most commonly used by police and customs agencies to detect drugs. They can locate narcotics hidden in suitcases, vehicles and packages.


Kojak, a Belgian Malinois with brown, orange and black fur, served for three years as an explosives-detection specialist with the SVA. The Belgian Malinois is considered one of the world’s most effective working breeds for explosives detection. Its highly developed sense of smell allows it to detect traces of gunpowder and chemicals hidden from view.

Shek, a Dutch Shepherd with golden-orange fur, served for two years as a drug-detection specialist with the SVA. Dutch Shepherds are highly intelligent and athletic working dogs with an excellent sense of smell, making them well suited for police and security operations involving the detection of drugs, weapons and prohibited substances.

After their retirement, the three former K-9 agents were adopted by families that met the requirements to provide the care these breeds need.

As part of efforts to support K-9 teams, the United States donated a new mobile unit to Costa Rica’s Border Police in July. The vehicle was specifically designed to transport police K-9 teams.

The Ministry of Public Security is responsible for maintaining public order, overseeing Costa Rica’s police forces and coordinating the country’s national crime-fighting strategy.

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