Another important area of the activities of the customs administration involves search focused on detection of cases where the customs and tax regulations have been violated. Such breach of regulations occurs most frequently for textile goods, electronics, motor vehicles, agricultural and food products and for goods subject to excise taxes. In detecting and investigating criminal activities, the investigation units are authorized to use operative search methods, including supportive ones, such as monitoring persons and objects, controlled delivery, the use of informants, etc. Their activities are also directed against persons committing serious offences, including organized crime. The customs authorities achieve very good results in combating drugs. In this connection, the customs administration participates in a number of international organizations, information systems and working groups. It has been evaluated by them as a reliable and responsible partner with the necessary competence and means, cooperating at a highly professional level. A special unit has been established intended for activities in apprehending offenders guilty of criminal activities, in other areas as well as in combating drugs. It has extremely well-trained and equipped specialists for very dangerous situations and crises and this training is the subject of great attention in both the physical and psychological aspects of preparation. The National Coordination Unit was established with the aim to ensure an effective international cooperation, which in accordance with International Agreements handles requests for assistance concerning investigation of cases where the National and Community customs regulations were violated. The necessary preconditions for such activities are central information gathering and information support for operational divisions. These tasks are provided by the Operational Center at the General Directorate of Customs 24 hours a day. Service dogs are used in the area of anti-drug policy and also for ensuring security of customs authorities. The customs administration has its own special facility for training dogs of all categories in Heřmanice, which has gained the statute of a European training centre. The Czech Customs Administration has 64 service dogs, half of which are trained for detection of drugs and cigarettes.
