GLADE SPRING -- When it comes to cracking cases, modern criminal investigations have come to rely on newfangled technologies such as computerized fingerprints and DNA analysis.

But one new investigator with the Washington County Sheriff's Office has been trained to use another finely tuned investigative device -- his nose.

With that nose, Marco, a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois, can detect marijuana, hashish, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ecstasy, OxyContin and opium derivatives, said sheriff's Deputy David McCown.

Together, the pair do their doggone best to keep drugs out of the county.

[continues 603 words]