Pubdate: Sun, 24 Jun 2001
Source: The Southeast Missourian (MO)
Copyright: 2001, Southeast Missourian
Contact: http://www.semissourian.com/opinion/speakout/submit/
Website: http://www.semissourian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1322
Author: The Associated Press

WATERBORNE PATROL DOG SNIFFS OUT DRUGS ON THE LAKE OF THE OZARK

LAKE OZARK, Mo. -- A friendly, 40-pound canine is helping the Missouri 
Water Patrol sniff out and stop drug activity on the Lake of the Ozarks.

The English spaniel, named Rikky, and Water Patrolman Eric Smith hit the 
water in late April and have had more business since the start of the 
summer boating season.

"So far we've done about nine searches with Rikky," Smith said recently. 
"Three of those searches have resulted in charges."

While larger dogs like German shepherds are often used in drug searches, 
Smith picked a spaniel in the belief that a friendly breed would make his 
efforts more productive.

And, he said, his hunch has been borne out as boat owners grant permission 
for Rikky to come aboard.

"That's one reason we wanted a passive dog rather than an aggressive one," 
Smith said. "So far, people have been very receptive to him."

Once consent is given, Rikky scampers aboard. He is certified to detect 
marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and ecstasy in amounts as small 
as two grams.

True to the nature of pointer dogs, Rikky doesn't scratch or claw at a spot 
where he detects something. Instead, he sits and stares at the spot.

The team's first arrest took place in Party Cove, a section of the 
sprawling lake where masses of boats gather.

"It was a normal boat stop and it appeared as though dope was being passed 
around for different people on the vessel to smoke," Smith said. After the 
occupants consented to let Rikky snoop around, the dog turned out marijuana 
and two marijuana cigarettes.

Rikky also works on land. On June 12, according to a Camdenton Police 
Department report, a passenger in a speeding car being pursued by police 
tossed a large plastic bag into a ditch. Smith was nearby and sent Rikky 
into the brush to find the discarded bag.

"In just a few minutes Rikky alerted on the bag, full of pot," Smith said.

So far, the team's work has been privately funded. An unnamed corporation 
and various lake-area crime watch groups have helped defray the initial 
$10,000 start-up cost.

The annual expense of veterinary bills, food and miscellaneous equipment is 
about $800 per year. Purina Foods of St. Louis supplies Rikky's food and 
veterinarian Eric Tiche volunteers medical services.

"The Coast Guard Auxiliary bought him a life jacket," Smith said. "The 
Morgan County Sheriff's Department is supplying us with one of their extra 
pagers for when we're on call. This is really turning into a lakewide 
community effort."
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager