RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region confirms Black Hawk helicopter flights have started in Alberta. On Tuesday an RCMP Black Hawk helicopter began patrolling the Alberta border with the United States. The beefed-up patrols are part of Canada’s plan to increase border security in response to Donald Trump’s tariff threat.

The helicopter patrols will transverse the Prairie border to search for, and target, all illegal activity including individuals who illegally enter Canada between official ports of entries and for the human smugglers who facilitate their travel. It will also be used to detect and stop illegal smuggling and trafficking of contraband such as illicit drugs into, and out of, Canada.

The helicopters will have police officers on-board who can quickly respond to any location near the border where illegal activity may be taking place. In addition, the Black Hawk can help direct Integrated Border Enforcement Team officers, who patrol the Alberta border in vehicles, to any suspicious activity.