If your buying or selling drugs in the city of Linden, you better buy a book on how to speak French. The Linden Police Department has a new officer patrolling the city sniffing around for drugs.

This new officer’s name is Tonquito. Tonquito is a one-and-a half-year-old Belgium Malinois recently purchased for around $6,000 with money approved by the Linden City Council from the North Mississippi K-9 services.

“The City Council saw a need and gave us the resources to purchase Tonquito,” said Chief Jeff Laduron, Linden Police Chief.

He has been on the job for about three weeks now with his handler Officer Harry Huckabee and has already seen some action while helping the sheriffs’ department with a recent roadblock.

Officer Huckabee received over a weeks worth of initial training with the dog in Mississippi. He also had to learn French because the dog was initially trained in the foreign language.

“I can’t wait to get out there with Tonquito and show the city of Linden what he can do,” said Officer Harry Huckabee.

“Tonquito’s main objective will be to assist in the removal of drugs from the streets of Linden and to help with public relation events.

He will go to schools and will also be available to surrounding areas police units,” Laduron said. The Linden Police Department had a police dog before, and it was a great asset to the department. “The last dog we had helped us in seizing over $10,000 in the first couple of days of his being here,” Laduron said.

Two local Linden businesses and the Marengo County Technological Center’s Cabinet Making class helped with the transformation of Officer Huckabee’s SUV to make it ready for Tonquito’s arrival. Linden Glass donated the tint on the windows, and Schroeder’s Body Shop repainted the vehicle for free. The Tech Center built a custom console for the SUV making it easier for Officer Huckabee to get his work done.

“I would personally like to like everyone that made this dream a reality for the city of Linden. We also have a new email address for anyone who wishes to send us information on a crime or tips. It is LPDCrimeline@go.com and as always you can call 1-334-295-8697,” Laduron said.