Cocaine-catching canine border guard calls it a career

Judging by the look in her eyes, it’s safe to say Caper has seen some things.

And this spring, after 10 years of service, the four legged-legged “important member” of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) in the Pacific Region retired.

Working with Border Services Officer (BSO) Mark Ingalls, Caper was stationed primarily at land border crossings in the Pacific Highway District.

However, she and Ingalls also made time to attend local events and detector dog displays throughout their career together.

Looking back on their decade together, the CBSA recalled a time Ingalls and Caper provided assistance to a local police department by conducting a vehicle search.

“Caper alerted to the centre console of an SUV and further inspection revealed a hidden compartment containing multiple pre-packaged narcotics,” said the agency in a release. “Thanks to Caper’s skill and BSO Ingalls’ expertise, these narcotics never made it into our communities.”

And although the agency is sad to see Caper leave, “we are grateful for the many years of dedicated service she provided,” said Daniela Evans, District Director, Pacific Highway District, Pacific Region.

“Caper and her handler BSO Ingalls had many successes throughout their career together and we will be forever grateful for the enthusiasm, service excellence and commitment they have shown.”

Throughout the course of her career, Caper’s keen nose provided support to many significant seizures totalling approximately 200 kg of cocaine, 55 kg of methamphetamine and countless marijuana seizures.

Going forward, Caper is now settling into her post-career life with BSO Ingalls and his family.

Good dog.