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A Black Hawk helicopter is seen flying above a southern Alberta international border crossing. (Photo: RCMP)

By David Opinko

Black Hawk helicopters patrolling Alberta-U.S. border crossings

Jan 29, 2025 | 10:22 AM

The RCMP continues to beef up border security along the Alberta-Montana border.

Black Hawk helicopters will be utilized at the Coutts, Del Bonita, Carway, Chief Mountain, and Wild Horse ports of entry.

Lisa Moreland, RCMP Assistant Commissioner of Federal Policing in the Northwest Region, says they will search for people who illegally enter Canada, and both human and drug smugglers.

“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,” says Moreland. “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.”

The helicopters will have police officers onboard who can respond to any location near the border where illegal activities may be occurring.

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They can also help direct Integrated Border Enforcement Team officers, who patrol the border in vehicles, to any suspicious activities.

Residents and visitors near the border may see and hear the helicopters regularly, but the RCMP ensures these are part of normal police operations.

Back in December, Premier Danielle Smith announced a plan to curb illegal activities at the international border, which included more uniformed officers and support staff, surveillance drones, narcotics analyzers, and K-9s.

She was responding to concerns from U.S. President Donald Trump about illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

READ MORE: Alberta taking action to prevent illegal crossing, drug trafficking at border

READ MORE: Canada’s border security package welcome but comes late, Republican senator says

A Black Hawk helicopter is seen flying above Waterton Lakes National Park. (Video: RCMP)

A Black Hawk helicopter is seen flying above a southern Alberta international border crossing. (Video: RCMP)

A Black Hawk helicopter is seen flying above Waterton Lakes National Park. (Photo: RCMP)

A Black Hawk helicopter is seen flying above Waterton Lakes National Park. (Photo: RCMP)

by David Opinko