Douglas County, GA (WGCL) — A family who lost its son to synthetic drugs donated a synthetic drug dog to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department.
“When we get a hold of a tool or we get a hold of a weapon that helps our law enforcement combat or fight these people who will poison our youth with synthetic drugs, that’s a win for us,” said Lance Dyer, the father of a teen who committed suicide after using synthetic drugs.
The K-9 is a Springer Spaniel and is named after the Dyer’s son.
“Using this name for us right now, like I said, will take some getting used to,” said Dyer.
Deenna Dyer found her son dead in the couple’s home in 2012.
Facebook posts revealed Dakota Dyer, 14, had smoked synthetic marijuana before committing suicide.
Dakota’s parents have worked to change laws and help law enforcement catch people who sell synthetic drugs to youth.
They started the Dakota Dyer Foundation to help other youth.
“There’s a certain poetic justice in this,” said Dyer, reflecting on the arrival of the K-9.
The K-9 is the first trained synthetic drug sniffing dog in the country. It cost the Dyers $10,000.
Dakota with work with a handler inside Douglas County Schools.
