Dawson Trail Dispatch
Celebrating Over 25 Years of Service to Our Communities!
February 2025
Black Hawk Helicopter Flights Underway Along Manitoba-US Border
The flights will target all illegal activity along the border; 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, Submitted photos / social media and out of, Canada.
The RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region has increased its security posture with the addition of regular Black Hawk helicopter flights along the Manitoba border with the United States. The first of these regular flights began in mid January. The flights will target all illegal activity along the border; 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. The helicopters will have police officers on-board who can quickly respond to any location near the border where illegal activity may be taking place. In addition, the helicopter can help direct Integrated Border Enforcement Team officers, who patrol the Manitoba border in vehicles, to any suspicious activity. Residents along the Manitoba border with the United States may hear and see the helicopter on a regular basis. These are part of normal police operations and
there is no cause for any public safety concern. “The addition of this helicopter greatly increases our detection and rapid response capabilities and significantly strengthens border security in the area,” said RCMP Assistant Commissioner Lisa Moreland, Regional Commander, Federal Policing, Northwest Region. “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.”
On February 3rd, Justin Trudeau announced “Canada is implementing our $1.3 billion border plan — reinforcing the border with new choppers, technology and personnel, enhanced coordination with our American partners, and increased resources to stop the flow of fentanyl. Nearly 10,000 frontline personnel are and will be working on protecting the border. In addition, Canada is making new commitments to appoint a Fentanyl Czar, we will list cartels as terrorists, ensure 24/7 eyes on the border, launch a Canada-U.S. Joint Strike Force to combat organized crime, fentanyl and money laundering. I have also signed a new intelligence directive on organized crime and fentanyl and we will be backing it with $200 million. Proposed tariffs will be paused for at least 30 days while we work together.”
Black Hawk helicopter patrol in Emerson, Manitoba, on January 20. Residents along the Manitoba border with the United States may hear and see the helicopter on a regular basis. These are part of normal police operations and there is no cause for any public safety concern.