Odor Proof Bags in a Criminal Case
I informed the expert that often when I represent individuals traveling on the interstate that transport marijuana, methamphetamine or cocaine, the drugs are either heat sealed or placed in odor sealed bags, but yet the dogs still indicate. The expert explained that sometimes manufacturers that advertise odor proof bags do not provide odor proof bags and it is very easy to contaminate them. Furthermore, often individuals stopped on the interstate have, in the past, had other drugs or other paraphernalia in the vehicle. Obviously, from a criminal defense attorney’s perspective, the argument is that the dog never indicated because the drugs were in an odor proof bag, thus the dog was cued by the handler, the dog was not reliable, or the dog was trained to always indicate to the odor of narcotics because the dog is rewarded any time they indicate narcotics are in the vehicle. The dog is rewarded prior to law enforcement searching the vehicle. So, essentially the dog is rewarded for the behavior of indicating to the odor of narcotics when sniffing a car regardless of whether drugs, marijuana, or any other drug is actually found. The expert indicated this is certainly possible and can happen in certain situations.
In another discussion with the expert about whether the drug dogs are actually alerting to a narcotic or simply displaying behavior the officer wants to see so that they can be rewarded, we talked about a concept called detailing. Detailing is a yes or no sniff. The handler directs the dog to a specific location and either the dog indicates to the odor of narcotics or he doesn’t. I have found through deposing and cross-examining some officers that not all dogs that get certified are able to detail. This is troubling. If a dog cannot pass a yes or no test, how do you know if the dog actually alerted and then indicated to the odor of narcotics after being walked around a car three or four times without indicating? On Interstate 80, it is common to see drug dogs walking around a car for two or three laps before the drug dog actually alerts and indicates to the odor of narcotics. The expert explained to me that this is cause for concern because it may give the dog the impression that the handler is going to walk him around the car until the dog alerts or indicates. The importance of a dog being able to detail is important to know whether the dog can or cannot indicate to the odor of narcotics. Obviously, if you direct the dog to a specific location to have the dog sniff and the dog does not indicate when drugs are there or indicates when there is no odor of narcotics present, you certainly know that the dog may not be reliable.
Can dogs smell through smell proof jars?
Dogs are able to smell through glass. However, if a glass container is airtight, such as a mason jar, a vacuum has been created and no air is able to escape. Therefore, no odor can escape and a dog is not able to detect a scent.
When it comes to walls, we know that they are not vacuum-sealed and air can escape, which means odors are able to escape. It is, therefore, highly likely that under these circumstances, your dog can smell through a wall. The material of the wall can also be a factor as to whether your dog is able to smell through it.
Can drug dogs smell through airtight bags?
Although man’s best friend tends to have a pretty incredible ability to sniff things out, dogs cannot smell though airtight, vacuum sealed containers. Pups can smell under things, around things, into things and even things underwater. However, airtight containers are vacuum sealed, keeping any air from escaping.
Child-Resistant CR Exit Bags – Small, 8″ x 6″ Mylar bags are the ground zero of Cannabis packaging for dispensaries and is the most recognizable marijuana packaging form among medical marijuana patients and recreational Cannabis consumers.
I-80 Drug Stops | Do Odor Proof Bags Really Work? | Stopped for Marijuana | Nebraska Drug Lawyers
We all know how powerful a dogs nose is, and watching our pups put their noses into action is a remarkable sight. But how powerful is your dogs nose really? Is it basically a superpower that allows them to sniff out scents in the most difficult of locations – for instance, in airtight containers?
What do you think – can dogs smell in airtight containers? Read on to find out!