A Black Hawk RCMP helicopter patrols the Canadian border near Emerson, Manitoba. (RCMP HANDOUT)
Black Hawk helicopters are now helping patrol along Manitoba’s border with the United States.
The first flights took to the skies on Sunday as the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region deployed the aircraft.
RCMP say the flights aim to curb illegal activities, including unauthorized border crossings, human smuggling, and contraband trafficking, such as illicit drugs.
According to RCMP, 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.
“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, in a release.
“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 new initiative began Sunday — one day before U.S. President Donald Trump took office for the second time. Trump has threatened to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico if border security isn’t increased by both countries.
In response, the Canadian government announced plans in December to allocate $1.3 billion to bolster border surveillance and enforcement.
A Black Hawk RCMP helicopter patrols the Canadian border near Emerson, Manitoba. (RCMP HANDOUT)
