An RCMP Black Hawk helicopter began patrolling the Alberta border with the United States on Jan. 28.

The helicopter will traverse the Prairie border to search for, and target, all illegal activity along the border region. This includes searching for individuals who illegally enter Canada between official ports of entries and for the human smugglers who facilitate their travel.

It will also be used to detect and stop illegal smuggling and trafficking of contraband such as illicit drugs into, and out of, Canada.

The helicopter will have police officers on board who can quickly respond to any location near the border where illegal activity may be taking place. In addition, the Black Hawk can help direct Integrated Border Enforcement Team officers, who patrol the Alberta border in vehicles, to any suspicious activity.

Residents along the Alberta 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.

“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 within the province,” said RCMP assistant commissioner Lisa Moreland, northwest regional commander, federal policing.

“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.”