The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office is announcing an expansion of their department in the parish.
A post from the department on Facebook read, "If you have been keeping up with the SMPSO over the past year, you are accustomed by now to the fact that we are in a season of upgrades, improvements, and expansion under the leadership of Sheriff Blaise Smith."
The department is welcoming Lt. T.J. Carinhas and K9 Max as a newly-formed Drug Interdiction Unit on patrol.
K9 Max is a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois from Holland, who trained with Jack Robicheaux of K9 Concepts upon his arrival in Lafayette.
Photos courtesy St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office
He is a dual purpose K9, trained in narcotics detection, tracking, search/apprehension, and handler protection.
K9 Max's handler, T.J. Carinhas, is a 16-year law enforcement veteran.
"I will be working Highway 90 and other roadways in St. Mary Parish focusing on illegal trafficking of narcotics in our parish," said Carinhas. "I've known Sheriff Smith since 1990 and am excited to be back working here at the SMPSO with him."
The department said they were able to get K9 Max because of "generous donations to the SMPSO by 'friends of the SMPSO.'"
