Australian Border Force (ABF) detector dog Murray has retired after more than six years of dedicated service, leaving behind a remarkable record of protecting Australia from prohibited and illegal imports.
The eight-year-old canine helped prevent a range of restricted goods from entering the country, including detecting 172 instances of undeclared and illicit currency worth more than $3.3 million, as well as 15 firearms.
Working alongside his handler, Murray was deployed across airports, seaports and international mail gateways, searching luggage, parcels, cargo containers, aircraft and travellers as part of Australia’s border protection efforts.
During his career, Murray regularly worked at the Melbourne Gateway Facility and Melbourne Airport, while also supporting post-border operations, including Australian Border Force-led search warrants conducted with partner agencies.
ABF Acting Superintendent Allan Scott praised Murray’s commitment and discipline throughout his service.
“Murray has been a remarkable detector dog for the ABF – he has always displayed a high level of discipline and has been intensely focused on any task set before him,” he said.
“Our star canine will leave large boots to fill, however, our Detector Dog Program continues to develop some of Australia’s, and the region’s, most capable dogs when it comes to border protection.”
Murray’s journey began as a puppy when he entered the ABF Detector Dog Program’s breeding and development pathway in Victoria. He underwent extensive socialisation, assessment and specialist training before completing a six-month operational course.
ABF Inspector for Breeding and Development Brett Matthews said Murray’s success was also supported by community members who helped raise and socialise him before he began his border duties.
“Early on, Murray was linked with our foster carer network, aimed to assist with his socialisation and development and to set him up for success in his later working life,” he said.
“We share a strong relationship with our community and value the commitment of foster carers who really help dogs such as Murray to serve at the border alongside our officers.”
All ABF detector dogs are bred, developed and trained at the National Detector Dog Program headquarters in Melbourne.
The program plays a key role in detecting prohibited and regulated goods including narcotics, firearms, explosives, tobacco products and illicit currency at Australia’s borders and beyond.
The program is also recognised as a World Customs Organisation Regional Dog Training Centre, supporting international cooperation and capacity-building initiatives with customs administrations across the region.
After years of service protecting Australia, Murray will now enjoy a well-earned retirement.
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