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.