U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), as part of the Paws to Recognize program, is honoring Trouble, a 6-year-old agriculture detector dog, because of the significant number of prohibited agricultural items he has seized from international passengers. Paws to Recognize showcases the valuable contributions of some 15,000 professionally trained service dogs.

CBP has the most canine enforcement dogs and officers of any federal law enforcement agency in the United States, with teams numbering around 1,200. Four separate canine programs operate within the restructured agency, including the Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services’ 133 canine teams, also known as the Beagle Brigade.

“Canine enforcement is growing and is aimed at combating terrorism. This year’s candidate, Trouble, has been trained to prevent agroterrorism,” said CBP Commissioner Robert C. Bonner. “Threats to agriculture from harmful pest and diseases are real and costly. With increases in international travel, there are mounting threats to America’s agriculture industry.”

Trouble began his federal career with the department in 2001 after being procured from a Texas animal shelter. He has since grown into a proud member of the Beagle Brigade at Miami International Airport. Trouble and his partner, Canine Officer Sherrie Ann Keblish, help safeguard America’s agricultural resources by intercepting prohibited fruits, vegetables, meats and animal byproducts that could introduce foreign pests or diseases into the U.S.

“We’ve been together for the past three years and have built a strong bond,” said Keblish. “He is not only one of the finest detector dogs, but a great companion. Trouble’s enthusiasm starts very early in the morning and is contagious. He is always ready to work.”

The team has seized 1,834 prohibited items, recorded 115 notable interceptions and prevented a potential disaster for Florida’s citrus industry. Most recently, Trouble sniffed out a quince fruit, carried as part of a passenger’s lunch, which was infested with 20 Mediterranean fruit fly larvae.