‘Thunder’ and ‘Hank’ OSP’s new drug-detection dogs

Oregon State Police said Tuesday they recently welcomed two new “members” to the department when “Hank” and “Thunder,” trained drug detection canines, completed training and jumped into their patrol vehicles, eager to hit the road.

With these new additions, OSP now has ten trained drug detection canines working around the State to assist OSP and other law enforcement agencies investigating drug crimes.

“Hank,” a 23-month old yellow Labrador, and “Thunder,” a 17-month old black Labrador, join eight other OSP drug detection canines and are assigned at OSP offices in Central and Eastern Oregon, respectively.

To maximize their effectiveness, the dogs are placed with their specially trained troopers at strategically selected OSP office locations.

“The OSP Drug Detection Canine program plays an important role in finding illegal drugs and related evidence on our highways and in local communities. They are an important partner for our Department and public safety partners on and off the road,” said Sgt. David Beck, OSP Drug Detection Canine program coordinator, who has worked with dogs for over 20 years.

During 2011, eight OSP drug detection canines and their handlers were involved in law enforcement contacts resulting in the seizure of:

* Over 600 pounds of Marijuana
* 84 pounds of Methamphetamine
* 58 pounds of Cocaine
* Over 8 pounds of Heroin
* 6 pounds of Psilocybin Mushrooms
* Other evidence and illegal proceeds related to drug crimes

The dog’s training includes an intensive two-week OSP drug detection handler course and certification process designed to detect odors from controlled substances including marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin.

The majority of searches involving OSP drug detection canines occur along the highway during vehicle stops when couriers try to conceal drugs and other evidence to avoid discovery.

“The dog’s keen sense of smell is far superior to that of any person, making the dogs an invaluable resource when searching vehicles, buildings, storage facilities, luggage and other environments,” said Beck.

Securing the two new drug detection canines was made possible with the support of members of Oregon’s legislature including state Rep. Greg Smith and state Sen. Jackie Winters.

“Dogs are an essential part of any law enforcement team. I’m proud to have worked with fellow legislators to secure the necessary funding to acquire these dogs and am confident these newest additions to the Oregon State Police will help keep dangerous drugs out of our communities,” said Representative Smith.

“Providing resources for OSP drug detection canines was one of my top priorities. I welcome Hank and Thunder, who will help our troopers keep our highways & communities safer from drug traffickers,” said Senator Winters.

You can see all of OSP’s drug detection canines on our website at:
http://www.oregon.gov/OSP/PATROL/Pages/canine_program.aspx