RCMP Deploy Black Hawk Helicopter to Patrol Alberta-U.S. Border

A Black Hawk helicopter is now patrolling Alberta’s border with the United States as part of the RCMP’s efforts to combat illegal activity along the international boundary.

The aircraft began operations on Tuesday, scanning the Prairie border for unauthorized crossings and human smuggling, as well as detecting the movement of contraband such as illicit drugs. Equipped with onboard officers, the helicopter can quickly respond to suspicious activity and assist the Integrated Border Enforcement Team, which patrols the area in vehicles.

RCMP say residents near the border may regularly see and hear the helicopter, but there is no cause for public concern.

“The range and speed of the Black Hawk allows it to be deployed very quickly to any location along the Alberta border, providing the RCMP with an enhanced rapid-response capability,” said RCMP Assistant Commissioner Lisa Moreland, Regional Commander of Federal Policing in the Northwest Region. “The Black Hawk is without a doubt an additional and very important air asset that has been brought in to help keep our border with the United States secure.”

The enhanced patrols come as law enforcement continues to monitor irregular border crossings and cross-border smuggling operations.