K9 Dog Loses Motor Control After Sniffing Too Many Drugs

Jake, a K9 golden retriever dog working at Port Canaveral, Florida, was recently administered an overdose-reversal medication after it sniffed drugs a passenger was carrying and started behaving unusually.

The K9 works with the Brevard County Sheriff's Office. While checking Leslie Bennett, a 33-year-old man from Missoula, Montana, who was scheduled to board the Holy Ship cruise, it inhaled the drugs which were in a powder form. According to the Brevard County Sheriff's Office, Jake started exhibiting seizure-like symptoms and lost motor control skills, Mail Online reported.

To reverse the overdose, Jake was given Narcan — a medication used to block the effects of opioids, especially in overdoses — as a precautionary measure, since officers were not sure of the reason why the dog was exhibiting those reactions, police spokesman Tod Goodyear said. He added the dog was in a stable condition and should not suffer from long-term illness or effect. He further said Jake would resume its duties soon.

Robert J. MacLean, with the U.S. Marshals Office, said a crew member on board the ship gave deputies Narcan as federal agents at Port Canaveral did not carry the medication. Jake was likely exposed to ecstasy powder, said a veterinary doctor.

Meanwhile, Bennett was charged with possessing a controlled substance without a prescription after officers found him carrying a sedative and other prescription drugs, as well as an amphetamine and ecstasy.