The RCMP are beefing up security along the Canada-United States border with the addition of a Black Hawk helicopter to monitor potential illegal activity.
The RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region announced last week that the first regular flights with this helicopter along the Manitoba border began Jan. 19.
“The flights will target all illegal activity along the border,” a news release explained. “This includes searching for individuals who illegally enter Canada between official ports of entries and for the human smugglers who facilitate their travel. It will also be used to detect and stop illegal smuggling and trafficking of contraband such as illicit drugs into, and out of, Canada.”
Police officers will be aboard the helicopters to respond to any illegal activity observed. The aircraft can also be used to help direct border enforcement officers patrolling on the ground to suspicious activity.
“The addition of this helicopter greatly increases our detection and rapid response capabilities and significantly strengthens border security in the area,” said Regional Commander Lisa Moreland. “The RCMP is fully committed to securing our border and will continue to add new technologies and resources across the region as, and when, they are required.”
Residents in communities along the border may hear and see the helicopter on a regular basis, the release noted. These are part of normal police operations, RCMP say, and there is no cause for any public safety concern.
Conservation officers on patrol
On Monday, Premier Wab Kinew shared that Manitoba conservation officers are also patrolling along the border to increase security.
“Our government is committed to ensuring the safety and security of our southern border, and with Manitoba conservation officers joining the RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency in this work, Manitoba is doing our part,” said Kinew. “Increased eyes and ears will help crack down on drug trafficking, stop unsafe crossings and potentially save lives.”
Conservation officers stationed out of Virden, Boissevain, Manitou, Winnipeg, Steinbach, and Sprague are conducting border patrols as part of their work. Patrols are being conducted between ports of entry, focusing on secondary roads and backcountry areas.
