Pune's law enforcement fraternity mourns the loss of Leo, a Labrador who served the Pune City Police Crime Branch with dedication for eight years.

Leo, who played a pivotal role in detecting illegal narcotics, succumbed to illness recently, leaving behind a legacy of exceptional service.

Leo was born in July 2016 and inducted into the Pune Police dog squad in September the same year. At just four months old, he began his journey of rigorous training under a specialized handler.

His training at the canine center focused on honing his skills in detecting narcotics and participating in drills. Following the successful completion of his intensive training, Leo became an integral part of the Anti-Narcotics Unit of the Crime Branch.

Over the years, Leo proved his mettle in several high-stakes operations:

• In a 2019 operation in Kondhwa, Leo helped police seize 50 kilograms of marijuana and other narcotics from a Nigerian national.

• He was also instrumental in uncovering a cannabis plantation at Loni Kalbhor on Solapur Road, leading to the seizure of 70 kilograms of marijuana.

• Leo's sharp instincts led to the discovery of marijuana and mephedrone from another Nigerian smuggler, bolstering the police's efforts against drug trafficking.

Apart from these major operations, Leo was regularly deployed at Pune Railway Station, bus depots, and Yerawada Jail for routine narcotics inspections.

His contributions in these tasks significantly strengthened the city police's anti-drug operations.