Merced CHP K-9 ‘Beny’ recognized with special award for outstanding law enforcement service

There’s hardly a month that goes by where Beny, a German Shepherd who worked as a K-9 officer for the Merced California Highway Patrol, doesn’t play a big role in taking illegal drugs off the streets.

Case in point, the CHP estimates In 114 traffic stops Beny has detected, 600 pounds of methamphetamine, 158 pounds of cocaine, 80 pounds of marijuana, 44 pounds of heroine, 8 pounds of fentanyl and more than $9 million in U.S. currency.

With that in mind, Assemblymember Adam Gray, D-Merced, last week presented Beny and his handler with a California State Assembly Resolution at the CHP’s Atwater office, in recognition of Beny’s service to law enforcement and the community.

Gray highlighted a recent incident where Beny detected about 15 pounds of fentanyl-laden pills found inside a vehicle during a traffic stop in Merced County on Feb. 11. There was also a recent January incident where Beny detected a level of fentanyl that was in amounts large enough to kill many people.

“With these two arrests alone Beny has helped saved thousands of lives and he has cost bad guys millions of dollars,” Gray said. “This is one very, very good dog and smart or at least smarter than the bad actors.”

According to Gray, the resolution serves to “not only to thank Beny but to thank all of you working on the frontlines. To tell you thank you, even as we realize words aren’t enough, but I will promise you at my office my staff and I will help you any way we can just as we’ve helped law enforcement this past decade serving in the state Legislature,” Gray said.

According to CHP Captain Becky Burton, K-9 Beny may be one of the most prolific K-9 officers in California. “He and his handler have saved thousands if not millions of lives with the drugs, drug money and weapons that they’ve gotten off the street,” Burton said.

Burton said Beny and his handler went through 13 initial weeks of training, learning how to work together as partners as the dog was taught the numerous search techniques for going through a vehicle and signaling to his handler when he detects something.

During this time Beny would be tested to prove that he can accurately detect narcotics.

“After that initial 13 weeks they undergo ongoing training throughout the year, every year that he is on the road, so that his skills are continually proven and remain fresh so that it’s validated and can carry weight in court,” explained Burton.