K9 Nuggetz earns praise for uncovering 230 pounds of cocaine during routine traffic stop near I-15
International News — A street-smart police dog named K9 Nuggetz is being hailed as a four-legged hero after helping Las Vegas police uncover $10.5 million worth of cocaine hidden in a semi-truck hauling tomatoes.
The bust took place around 2:30 a.m. on Friday near Interstate 15 and St. Rose Parkway, where detectives stopped the vehicle due to erratic driving, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD).
“The nervous driver had a story that didn’t add up,” said police in a statement posted on social media. Officers called in K9 Nuggetz, who quickly alerted to the presence of drugs.
230 Pounds of Cocaine Concealed Among Tomatoes
Upon further inspection, officers discovered a massive stash of 230 pounds of cocaine carefully hidden among crates of tomatoes. The estimated street value of the drugs is $10.5 million.
Two men — Nanak Singh and Chandra Prakash — were arrested at the scene and charged with trafficking a controlled substance.
Online Applause for K9 Nuggetz
K9 Nuggetz has since gone viral for his role in the operation, with commenters on the LVMPD’s Facebook page calling for doggie treats, steak dinners, and even a spa day in celebration of his success. One user joked, “Was Nuggetz treated to a gourmet dinner and spa day?!” while another praised the “cool dude” dog sporting sunglasses in an official photo released by the department.
Dogs at the Frontline of Global Drug Interdiction
This bust is the latest reminder of how K9 units remain essential tools in global drug enforcement. Earlier this year, a K9 in California discovered $3 million worth of fentanyl during a routine traffic stop after a similar alert by the dog led to a vehicle search.
According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), police dogs can have up to 225 million scent receptors, making them incredibly effective at detecting drugs, explosives, and other contraband. Breeds like German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois are most commonly used for these operations.
“The dogs are able to perform their tasks anywhere and are most commonly seen searching airports and border entries for explosives and illegal drugs,” the AKC notes.
Relevance to Northwestern Ontario
For readers in Thunder Bay and across Northwestern Ontario, this international case underscores the growing sophistication of cross-border drug trafficking and the need for well-trained detection units across North America.
While Thunder Bay sees its own challenges with drug-related crime, cases like this demonstrate how global smuggling networks often rely on commercial transport vehicles, which frequently travel through major Canadian and U.S. corridors — including those that link to Northern Ontario.
The story also serves as a reminder of the importance of K9 units within local and national policing efforts, especially in border-adjacent communities like Thunder Bay.
