Alabama K-9 Who Died After Drug Contact Honored at Memorial

MONTGOMERY, Ala.—An Alabama K-9 known as both the best narcotics-sniffing dog in the state and a “knucklehead” was honored at a memorial service Tuesday on july 30 after he died searching for drugs during a prison sweep.

Alabama K-9 Jake, who died after coming into contact with a narcotic during a prison contraband search, was honored with a 21-gun salute and commendation from Gov. Kay Ivey at the Staton Kennel Complex in Elmore, Ala., on July 30, 2019. Blake Paterson/AP Photo

MONTGOMERY, Ala.—An Alabama K-9 known as both the best narcotics-sniffing dog in the state and a “knucklehead” was honored at a memorial service on July 30 after he died searching for drugs during a prison sweep.

The 5-year-old Belgian Malinois named Jake suddenly became ill on July 18 after he came into contact with a powdery synthetic street drug known as flakka during a routine contraband search. He died two days later after developing pneumonia and other complications.