FREER, Texas - A Freer Police Department K-9 team helped intercept dozens of prohibited items during a contraband detection operation at the Federal Correctional Institution in Three Rivers, authorities announced.

The Freer Police Department's K-9 Unit responded Sunday, July 26, to a request for assistance from the Federal Correctional Institution–Three Rivers as part of an operation aimed at preventing contraband from entering the federal correctional facility.

During the operation, K-9 Officer Zeke Ortiz and his K-9 partner located and helped seize numerous prohibited items, according to the Freer Police Department.

Authorities said the contraband included 75 vape pens, 10 packs of Backwoods cigars, 100 creatine pills and various other prohibited items intended for the facility.

The Freer Police Department said the operation highlights the importance of cooperation between local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in combating criminal activity and maintaining the safety and security of correctional institutions.

The department also thanked the staff of the Federal Correctional Institution–Three Rivers for their continued partnership and collaboration during the operation.