There have been a lot of emphasis patrols this fall as new traffic laws have taken effect, which meant more K-9 units being tasked with finding drugs and keeping highways safe.

The dogs have been trained well.

On October 3, Trooper Norton pulled over a driver for speeding on Highway 395.

During the course of the stop, Washington State Patrol Trooper Norton noticed "suspicious behavior that usually coincides with criminal activity."

After a K-9 officer named "Moose" took a sniff around the car, the driver was arrested for possession of five pounds of combined meth and heroin. The DEA decided to take over the case.

The dogs even find drugs when suspects toss the evidence.

On October 8, near mile post 8 on SR 104, partners Trooper Green and K9 Max were called out to handle an injury collision for the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.

When Trooper Green deployed Max, the dog led Trooper Green about 75 feet away from the vehicle towards the nearby woods. There, Max and Trooper Green found an abandoned bag.

Post-investigation, a search warrant was served on the bag. In total, troopers found:

• 4 ounces of cocaine
• 1 ounce of Hydro (Honey paste) THC
• 59 grams of mushrooms
• 4 grams of meth
• ½ pound of weed
• $830 in cash

To make it through the Washington State Patrol’s Canine Training Unit, dogs and their handlers must complete nearly 220 hours of specialized training.

Once graduated, they provide support for the agency’s field force, local task forces, and federal agencies during multi-jurisdictional warrants.



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