Yukon IBET dog sniffs out organized crime in Alberta

"M" Division's Constable Wayne Smyth and police service dog "Luke" assisted in a large drug seizure in the community of Lethbridge, Alberta.

In October 2003, Cst. Smyth of the Yukon's Integrated Border Enforcement Unit (IBET) was in Alberta working and training with the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency at an Alberta border crossing near Lethbridge. Interdiction dog "Luke" is due for his six month evaluation and program re-certification. Part of his ongoing training in drugs and weapons detection was done at the busy Alberta border.

In the early morning of Tuesday, September 28, 2003, Cst. Smyth went for a run with "Luke" when the dog expressed interest in a rental van found in the parking lot of their hotel. The dog sniffed the door cracks gave a strong indication to his handler that it possibly contained illegal drugs.

Cst. Smyth contacted the Lethbridge Police Services on the suspicious vehicle.

An investigation by members of Lethbridge Police Service's Special Operations Unit and Criminal Intelligence Unit resulted in search warrants being executed under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act on a hotel room and two vehicles.

As a result, the Lethbridge Police Service seized 524 pounds of marihuana (estimated worth in millions), cash, cells phones and other items related to the vehicles. Four individuals were arrested and charged at 9:00 am today with possession of controlled substances for the purpose of trafficking.

It is believed the marihuana originated from British Columbia and was destined for the United States. Lethbridge Police Service also believe it is directly related to organized crime.

Police Service Dog "Luke" and Constable Wayne Smyth are the only RCMP K-9 team working at the international borders with Canada Customs and Revenue Agency in a joint initiative to stem the flow of drugs and guns from Alaska into the Yukon/Northern BC. "Luke"'s recruitment to the IBET team results from a unique partnership with Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.