Lemon Grove Canine Deputy Helps Nab Suspected Drug Smugglers

Hank, Lemon Grove’s canine deputy, is being credited with helping San Diego Sheriff’s deputies nab three men suspected of running a drug smuggling operation.

Mario Arjonilla, 73, of Tijuana, Charistian Munoz, 20, and George Rodriguez, 19, both of San Ysidro were arrested about 1:30 p.m. on May in the area of Scripps Poway Parkway and Springbrook Drive, according to a sheriff’s report.

Detectives with the Poway Sheriff's Station Criminal Apprehension said they had men under surveillance following a tip about the smuggling operation. Officials report seeing the suspects exchange spare tires with people in another car.

Detectives stopped one of the cars at Scripps Poway Parkway and Springbrook Drive, according to the report.

Deputy Plutarco Vail and his K-9 partner Hank were part of the operation. The dog alerted on a spare tire in the trunk of one of the cars, officials said.

When they cut it open, deputies said they found 25 pounds of marijuana tightly wrapped in cellophane and tape. Some kind of fragrance was used in an apparent attempt to mask the smell of marijuana, officials said.

[Click here to view photos of Deputy Vail and Hank giving a K-9 demonstration to children at San Miguel Elementary School in 2012.]

Detectives said they suspect the operation had been going on for some time.

Investigators ask anyone with additional information about this case to call the Sheriff's Department non-emergency line at (858) 565-5200. Tipsters can remain anonymous and could be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Or call Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.