Monmouth County's newest weapon in the fight against illicit drugs is a four-legged super-snoop from the South.

Gunner, the newest Monmouth County K-9 recruit (Sheriff Shaun Golden)
Gunner, the newest Monmouth County K-9 recruit (Sheriff Shaun Golden)
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Meet Gunner, the Texas-born Labrador Retriever with the ability to ferret out five different kinds of narcotics and illegal substances, now partnering with Officer Kurt Kroeper in the office of Sheriff Shaun Golden.

The furry recruit, four months shy of two years of age, was hand-selected for training at the USK9 Dog Training Academy in Louisiana, according to information from Golden's office. The $8,900 cost was absorbed through forfeiture funds and a $5,000 donation by the 200 Club of Monmouth County.

Gunner is trained to spot methamphetamines, heroin, cocaine, Ecstasy and marijuana. "He comes to us with impressive credentials and weill be a tremendous asset in providing vital services to Monmouth County and local law enforcement when it comes to combating the proliferation of narcotics in the county," Golden said in a prepared statement.

Monmouth County Sheriff Golden, Officer Kurt Kroeper & "Gunner" (Monmouth Co. Sheriff's Office)
Monmouth County Sheriff Golden, Officer Kurt Kroeper & "Gunner" (Monmouth Co. Sheriff's Office)
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The 200 Club offered the donation after Kroeper's former K-9 partner Evan died of cancer in 2014. The investigative pair spearheaded the confiscation of sizeable quantities of narcotics, hundreds of arrests, and seizure of more than $1.1 million cash, Golden said.

The 200 Club provides financial and emotional support for the families of law enforcement members who die or are injured in the line of duty.

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