New K9 officer assists in drug bust

Two people from Montana were incarcerated after a traffic stop late Sunday night during which the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office's newest K9 officer alerted deputies to narcotics in the vehicle.

The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office reported Monday a deputy initiated the traffic stop in the area of Interstate 90 and Highway 97 just east of Coeur d'Alene. K9 Luuki and his handler assisted. K9 Luuki positively alerted to the odor of narcotics coming from the vehicle.

Deputies searched the vehicle and found a revolver, cocaine, over 121 grams of methamphetamine and multiple pieces of paraphernalia.

The driver, Billy Johnson, and passenger, Deanna Johnson, were arrested for trafficking methamphetamine and possession of cocaine and paraphernalia. Billy Johnson is also a convicted felon, and was therefore charged for illegally possessing a firearm.

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office said it is proud of K9 Luuki and the deputies involved in this case.