UHP K9s helping seize more drugs
Jun 12, 2017, 2:52 PM | Updated: Jun 14, 2017, 1:06 pm
MURRAY — The Utah Highway Patrol says they are seeing more drugs in traffic stops, and more trained K-9s are helping find those drugs.
The Utah Highway Patrol seized 31 percent more meth this year than last year in cars traveling to or through Utah. UHP Sgt Steve Salas says it’s pretty cheap right now in Mexico, but it can be sold for up to three times as much around the US.
“We have I-70, I-80, and I-15, so a lot of the meth that is originating on the southern border is also going to the Midwest and east coast through Utah,” he said.
Sgt. Salas says they couldn’t make as many arrests or seizures without their ten k-9 units around the state. They just got two new Belgian Malinois German Shepherd mix puppies that they are training.
Below is a video of Sgt. Jimmy Banks with Shepherd puppy in training demonstrating his skills.
Chapo demonstrates his skills: Drug odor put on this vehicle; he found it and got rewarded with his favorite toy. @UTHighwayPatrol pic.twitter.com/d0bX5OzxQf
— Mary Richards (@kslmrichards) June 12, 2017
Hear more about those puppies below.