Manitoba RCMP get Black Hawk to patrol border

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Manitoba RCMP have started patrolling the border with a Black Hawk helicopter in order to secure the border and prevent human and drug trafficking.

“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 for federal policing in the 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.”

The first flight of the Black Hawk along the Manitoba/U.S. border happened on Jan. 19. The helicopters will have two pilots and a team of RCMP officers on board. The officers can quickly respond to any locations near the border where illegal activity is taking place and they can help direct Integrated Border Enforcement Team officers, who patrol the Manitoba border in vehicles, to any suspicious activity.

RCMP HANDOUT
A Black Hawk flies over the port of entry.
RCMP HANDOUT A Black Hawk flies over the port of entry.

The RCMP charted two Black Hawks one of which is operating in Manitoba. They complement a fleet of nine existing helicopters, six of which patrol the border.

The two chartering contracts for the Black Hawks are worth a combined total of $5.3 million, which were secured through Public Services and Procurement Canada Standing Offers.

In 2024, Manitoba RCMP stopped 103 people from entering the country illegally. The number of drug trafficking stops were not available by press time.

According to the RCMP, 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.

RCMP HANDOUT
A Black Hawk helicopter tasked with patrolling Manitoba's southern border.
RCMP HANDOUT A Black Hawk helicopter tasked with patrolling Manitoba's southern border.
RCMP HANDOUT
RCMP officers walk towards the Black Hawk helicopter as they get ready to patrol in Emerson on Jan. 20.
RCMP HANDOUT RCMP officers walk towards the Black Hawk helicopter as they get ready to patrol in Emerson on Jan. 20.
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