Customs Service Mourns Loss of Dog

The U.S. Customs Service is mourning the untimely death of one of its most distinguished officers: A yellow Labrador mix named Ben, who sniffed out more than $1 million of illicit drugs during an exemplary five-year career.

Ben died in Los Angeles on June 6 of unknown causes, two days after leading officers to a 5-pound bag of cocaine in a cruise ship cabin, the Customs Service announced Tuesday. He was 7 years old.

Ben began his customs career in 1995 at Los Angeles International Airport, and over his five years of service screened nearly a million international passengers arriving in Los Angeles by air and sea.

He also made several appearances on television talk shows and invariably was tapped to represent customs at demonstrations and media appearances.

“One thing about this dog: This dog was very photogenic. He was our celebrity here,” said canine enforcement officer Rick Spring. “He was just a very pretty dog--beautiful color, nice personality. And he was very good. That’s what hurt most of all.”

He also was selected for a two-week course at customs’ training academy in Front Royal, Va., where 13 of the nation’s best drug dogs became the first trained to detect Ecstasy.

Results of an autopsy are pending. Meanwhile, customs officers will present the dog’s ashes to his handler, Officer Carlos Vega, in a private ceremony today.

Vega also will receive a plaque featuring Ben’s picture, with the dog’s collar and department badge attached.

Vega and the dog had “a super, super bond,” Spring said.