Urbandale Police Officer, K-9 Partner Honored for Role in $1.1 Million Drug Seizure

An Urbandale Police officer and his K-9 partner helped find $180,000 in hidden cash that led to the seizure of 250 pounds of marijuana as part of national case, according to a news release from the police department.

Officer Shane Taylor and his K-9 partner, Sabre, received the 2012 Case of the Year by the Heart of America Police Dog Association.

According to the news release, Iowa Department of Transportation authorities asked for the pair's help at a Dallas County weigh station to conduct a sniff on Oct. 15, 2011. Sabre conducted his sniff around a Ford 350 pickup and an enclosed trailer hauling a custom motorcycle. The canine indicated the enclosed trailer was suspicious.

Once inside the trailer, Sabre directed authorities to a floor that was later discovered had a hidden compartment that had $180,000 cash inside. The truck, trailer, custom chopper and cash were all seized. The driver denied ownership of the cash and was allowed to leave the scene.

Two weeks later, based on this case, 250 pounds of marijuana was recovered from a traffic stop. This case was the start of a national drug case that resulted in over a $1.1 million drug enterprise that went across the country, the release said.

In October 2012, the Heart of America Police Dog Association held its annual conference. At the conference K-9 cases were submitted by officers and voted on by their peers. Officer Taylor and Sabre were awarded the 2012 Case of the Year.

This is just one case showing the dedication Officer Shane Taylor and Sabre promote to fight the war on drugs not only in our community, but also our country, the department said in the release.