The Pune Police force bid a final farewell on Wednesday, to their trusted narcotics specialist canine, Leo.
Leo passed away on Tuesday, November 26, after battling an esophageal ailment.
Leo, a labrador retriever, was born on July 20, 2016, and joined the Pune police service on September 20, 2016, as a trainee member of the canine squad.
In a press statement, Pune Police stated, "Leo's illustrious eight-year career was marked by his instrumental role in several major drug busts and multi-agency drills.
In December 2019, Leo played a crucial role in seizing large quantities of mephedrone and marijuana from a Nigerian national.
In August 2022, Leo was instrumental in a case at Loni Kalbhor Police Station, where 70 kilograms of marijuana were seized Leo regularly participated in multi-agency training exercises, including those with the Indian Army.
Leo was part of regular checks and sweeps conducted at the Yerawada Central Prison, railway stations and bus stands.
Leo's handlers and senior officers of the Pune Police paid their respects to the deceased canine, accompanied by a full police guard of honour.
His last rites were performed with honour at the Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) electric crematorium for pets and animals.
