Pubdate: Wed, 29 Oct 2003
Source: Whitehorse Star (CN YK)
Copyright: 2003 Whitehorse Star
Contact:  http://www.whitehorsestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1493
Author: Stephanie Waddell

RCMP OFFICER AND DOG CREDITED WITH HUGE BUST

A Yukon RCMP officer and police dog are behind an Alberta drug bust worth 
millions of dollars, the RCMP said this afternoon.

This morning, four people were arrested in Lethbridge, Alta. and charged 
with possession of controlled substances for the purpose of trafficking.

Lethbridge Police Service officers seized 235 kilograms (524 pounds) of 
marijuana, as well as cash, cell phones and other items related to a 
vehicle Yukon Const. Wayne Smyth and police service dog Luke came across 
early yesterday morning.

Smyth is part of the Yukon Integrated Boarder Enforcement Team (IBET). He 
is in Alberta working with the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency at the 
border crossing in Lethbridge.

Luke is due for his six-month evaluation and program recertification. Part 
of his ongoing training in drugs and weapons detection was done at the busy 
Alberta border.

Yesterday, the two were out for a run when Luke showed an interest in a 
Ryder rental van found in the parking lot of their hotel.

The dog sniffed the door cracks and gave a strong indication that the 
vehicle contained illegal drugs.

Smyth contacted the Lethbridge Police.

An investigation by the Lethbridge Police resulted in search warrants done 
on a hotel room and two vehicles.

It's believed the marijuana seized came from B.C. and was on its way to the 
United States.

Lethbridge police also believed it's directly related to organized crime.

Luke and Smyth are the only RCMP K-9 team working at the international 
borders with Canada Customs and Revenue in a joint venture to stem the flow 
of drugs and guns from Alaska into the Yukon and Northern B.C.