California police K-9 helps catch suspected drug traffickers

( KRON ) — Police said a drug-trafficking duo was busted by a K-9 in Livermore while they were attempting to transport stashes of methamphetamine and fentanyl across state lines.

The Livermore Police Department said Ramon Guzman, 38, of Washington, and Taylor Bickler, 31, of Washington admitted to purchasing fentanyl earlier in the morning in the Central Valley with the intent to sell it in Washington.

Events leading up to the arrest of Guzman and Bickler began at 12:45 p.m. Tuesday when a LPD officer and his K-9, Drake, were patrolling North Canyons Parkway. The officer spotted a broken down vehicle with Washington license plates.

“The driver had opened the hood. It appeared he was having engine trouble. Livermore police asked the occupants if they needed help. They said they were traveling to San Jose from Washington. The occupants then walked away and into a store,” LPD wrote.

K-9 Drake was not fooled, police said.

The dog alerted its handler that it smelled narcotics in the car. The dog’s alert gave the officer probable cause to search the car and find the drugs.

Guzman and Bickler were arrested on suspicion of transporting narcotics, possessing narcotics for sale, and drug possession.

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