Erko and the Gelex Dynamite

Police dogs are increasingly being used in the search for explosive devices. The Police Dog Service was involved in just such a search in North Vancouver, BC, in March, 1979. Police had apprehended a man in connection with detonating explosives in the area of the Lynn Valley Road in North Vancouver. He admitted to having a large quantity of stolen explosives hidden in the bush approximately three miles from town. Complications arose, however, when he was unable to recall their exact location. It was then that Cst. Spraggs and police service dog, Erko, were contacted.

In spite of the bush and mountainous terrain, Erko located all of the stolen goods, which included 606 sticks of Gelex dynamite, among other numerous explosive items. The would-be "demolitions expert" was sentenced to 30 days.