An Oregon family who thought their golden retriever had found a time capsule in their backyard, ended up digging $85,000 worth of black tar heroin.

Initially, the homeowners thought they were going to uncover a slice of history, but it was only when they decided to open the container that they realized they had found something far more sinister.

KATU-TV reported Friday that the owners of an 18-month-old dog named Kenyon has now been honored by the local sheriff for his unusual find.

Kenyon dug up 15 ounces of black tar heroin that was found in a family's back yard, although at first they their loyal dog was going to be digging up a time capsule

Sheriff Svenson presented Kenyon with an official Yamhill County K-9 citation ribbon and named him an honorary narcotics K-9 for life

The black tar heroin weighed just over 15 ounces and has a street value of $85,000. It is not clear who buried the drugs in the first place or how they had been there

The family who live in Salem near Portland, wish to remain anonymous.

When they initially found the container they decided to film themselves opening their find for posterity's sake, but as they did so, they realized Kenyon had found drugs and some type of controlled substance.

Kenyon's owners then immediately contacted law enforcement. Yamhill County Sheriff Tim Svenson identified the substance as more than 15 ounces of black tar heroin.

Svenson presented Kenyon with an official ribbon and named him an honorary narcotics dog for life.

'Opioid addiction and overdose deaths are on the rise and with the help of Kenyon this large quantity of heroin is removed from our community. Great job Kenyon!' the officer said.

It's not clear who the drugs belonged to or why they were buried in the backyard in the first place