OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, Friday issued the following statement after receiving word that the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control (OBN) K9 Interdiction Unit was named “Team of the Year” by the National Criminal Enforcement Association (NCEA).

Additionally, agents Dallas Lang, Justin Taylor and Darin Morgan were recognized as Royal Knights, the first award developed by the Desert Snow Training Program, developed to help motivate and acknowledge relentless criminal interdiction police work.

The awards were announced at the NCEA’s national interdiction conference in South Carolina on Wednesday, Sept. 10.

“I want to personally congratulate the OBN Interdiction Team and these agents on these well-deserved awards,” said Turner, who serves as vice chair of the House Appropriations and Budget Public Safety Committee, and who has a long career in law enforcement.

“This recognition shows that the criminal element is active on Oklahoma roads, and it underscores the importance of interdiction work. As a former drug task force supervisor and sheriff, I know firsthand how vital interdiction is for keeping our communities safe. Whether part of a local impact team or a dedicated interdiction unit, these professionals protect our citizens and our state. Oklahoma is blessed with some of the best interdictors in the world, both current and retired. Their expertise is now respected nationwide and will be used to help other states build effective programs. Thank you to these team members and these agents for their dedication and service.”

Turner noted that just in the past 12 months, OBN’s K9 Interdiction Unit has seized 6,839 pounds of marijuana, two pounds of heroin, 89 pounds of cocaine, 365 pounds of meth, and 140 pounds of fentanyl. They’ve made dozens of arrests, including two people on the International Terrorism Federal Watch List, and recovered two endangered children kidnapped from the state of Kansas.

Turner also pointed out that Royal Knight status is only awarded to road officers who have met a number of requirements and have also been accepted by the Royal Knight Committee. Individuals selected must show a sustained and professional effort to protect the motoring public by identifying and apprehending some of America’s worst criminals.

Additionally, it was announced at the conference that OBN and Oklahoma Highway Patrol would be co-hosting the 2026 NCEA Conference in Oklahoma City.

Rep. Tim Turner, a Republican, represents House District 15 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. His district includes Haskell County and portions of McIntosh, Muskogee, Le Flore and Pittsburg counties.