A Dog's Life

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A dog that has been on the front lines of the war on drugs is now leaving his seat in the back of a patrol car, for a cozy kennel at home. Crocket, an 11-year-old lab, is retiring from patrolling the Northern Hills with his handler Brian Swets.

Over the years, he's uncovered more than one million dollars, and hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs from trafficking suspects on I-90. Crocket has played a key role in many of the large busts that have happened this year in western South Dakota.

Trooper Brian Swets, Crocket's handler, says, "When I began my career with the Highway Patrol, I thought, you know, someday in my 25, 30 year career with the Highway Patrol that I would like to get one large load of drugs off the road. I never dreamt that it would be with this much frequency."





It's Crocket's job to detect illegal drugs by sniffing the exterior of a vehicle, school locker, or sealed package. He's a pro at detecting even trace amounts.

"He's the reason why you can get into the car and search it, and he provides the probable cause for the search if he indicates to the vehicle, and him having a good nose certainly helped us along."

It's not all work and no play for this drug hound. Finding narcotics in a vehicle is actually a treat for Crocket.

Swets says, "Well, all their toys are scented and that's how they actually learn to find drugs... they're looking for a toy."

Swets says the two have a very dangerous job. That's why we're not showing Swets' face. "There's large organizations that we're taking millions of dollars worth of narcotics and currency from, and I'd rather just remain a faceless police officer."

But Crocket's days as a drug dog have come to an end. His hips and front joints are often swollen, and while he's able to move around well somedays, that's not always the case.

"Well, Crocket's getting old and arthritis is starting to set in. He's starting to slow down, and the demands are a little more than he can keep up with, so unfortunately he's going to have to retire and just stay home."

Swets' new partner, Carlo, a 2-year-old Malinois will take the reigns from now on. He'll start six weeks of training next week. In the meantime, it's a bittersweet transition for Crocket, who still has a love for drug sniffing.

Swets says, "Oh, he still has the drive, he's still as playful as before, he just can't run as fast and play as hard."

It's not easy for his partner Swets either, who says the two have an unbreakable bond. "There's a huge bond between me and the dog that it's like leaving your best friend home and going to work. I certainly miss him."

Luckily, the two can still share quality time-off at home.

The South Dakota Highway Patrol Canine Program started in 1991 with 2 dogs, now there are more than a dozen working throughout the state. Crocket has been Swets' partner for the last 4 years.

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