Subtitles by Ke Jiayun.
Flying into Shanghai Pudong International Airport? Don't be surprised if your luggage is greeted not just by customs officers – but by a pair of watchful eyes, a twitching nose and a wagging tail. A new canine crew is on the job, sniffing out danger one suitcase at a time.
These four-legged customs agents aren't here for belly rubs – they're the newly certified working dogs of Shanghai Customs, trained to detect everything from forbidden foods to smuggled exotic pets. And after a recent high-stakes exam, they're officially on the frontlines, guarding China's borders with noses that don't miss a thing.
A customs detection dog patrols the inspection zone at Pudong airport.
Recently, Shanghai Customs held a rigorous certification exam for its elite team of sniffer dogs, putting 32 working canines to the test in a high-stakes assessment designed to prepare them for frontline defense.
Each dog was required to detect concealed items from a sea of 50 bags, zeroing in on 15 containing target materials – all within a limited time.
This year's test wasn't just about sniffing out food or plants. With a growing global trend of people trying to bring in exotic pets, the exam placed special emphasis on the dogs' ability to detect live animals, a critical new component in the fight against invasive species and cross-border disease transmission.
Shanghai Customs evaluates working dogs on their detection skills during the official on-duty assessment.
Customs dogs undergo a rigorous certification test organized by Shanghai Customs to qualify for duty at international ports.
Since their reintroduction last August, customs dogs have intercepted 165 batches of prohibited inbound items.
Now fully certified, these dogs are heading to the frontlines at Shanghai's busiest terminals, including passenger screening and international mail checkpoints. Their timing couldn't be better. With the summer travel season in full swing, Shanghai Pudong International Airport is experiencing a surge in traffic, handling more than 10 million passengers a month.
A customs officer and sniffer dog on active duty at the passenger inspection area of Pudong airport.
Take Nezha, for example – not the mythological hero, but a Labrador with a nose for trouble. On a routine day in July, Nezha was patrolling Carousel 27 at Terminal 2. Suddenly, the dog stopped, tail stiff, nose twitching. Then came the unmistakable sign: a silent sit-and-stare alert. Inside the flagged bag? 1.81 kilograms of undeclared pork products.
That moment was just one of many in the life of these four-legged border guardians. Like the legendary warrior it's named after, Nezha the customs dog went through a transformation – from playful pup to disciplined professional. At an average age of just 3, these dogs combine youthful energy with laser-sharp focus. Off-duty, they're affectionate companions to their handlers. On the job, they are unmatched specialists.
Customs dog Nezha performs luggage screening at Pudong airport with sharp focus.
The canine team has become an indispensable force. This year, in just six months, they helped intercept 603 batches of animal and plant products, totaling 1,201 kilograms. Their success rate? A staggering 83 percent of inspections leading to real finds.
So next time you're navigating the bustling terminals of Pudong airport, keep an eye out – not just for customs officers, but also for a wagging tail and a focused gaze. Behind those soft ears and playful demeanor lies a powerful, precise and professional force, keeping China's borders safe – one sniff at a time.