Among the many remarkable stories from the Keelung Customs Detector Dog Unit, none is more deeply cherished than the moving partnership between Pablo — an exceptional drug detector dog from Australia — and his handler, Lars. Their five years of service together not only produced a series of major drug seizures, but also forged a bond that transcended work, species, and borders. It is a story of loyalty, professionalism, and an unspoken connection that touched everyone around them.
Lars still vividly remembers the day he first met Pablo. “The moment I saw him, we just clicked,” he recalls. He had just passed the qualification exam for dog handlers when he encountered the energetic Labrador at the Taiwan Customs Detector Dog Breeding and Training Center. Unlike many dog–handler pairs that require lengthy adjustment, Pablo and Lars demonstrated chemistry from day one. Whether in scent detection basics, scenario simulations, or frontline operations, their coordination was almost instinctive — two partners working as one.
During his service, Pablo achieved an extraordinary record of major drug seizures, including:
- July 24, 2013: 14 kg of cannabis
- January 6, 2014: 20 kg of Ketamine
- April 8, 2015: 312 kg of Ketamine
- July 6, 2015: 39.5 kg of Cannabis
- June 1, 2017: 25.6 kg of Cannabis
- September 5, 2017: 70 kg of Hydroxylimine Hydrochloride (precursor chemical)
- January 18, 2018: 197 kg of Ephedrine
Among these, the June 2017 cannabis case remains the most unforgettable. The smugglers had wrapped the drugs in layers of sponge, tightly bound them with heavy-duty tape, and sealed everything inside plastic containers — five layers of packaging in total. Despite the elaborate concealment, Pablo detected the scent immediately and sat down firmly to signal the find. “I was incredibly proud of him,” Lars says. “All the training, all the trust — it all came together in that moment.”
Beyond frontline operations, Pablo was also a favorite during school outreach programs and VIP visits. His swift, focused search demonstrations, followed by his gentle and friendly demeanor, often turned tense inspection settings into warm, cheerful moments. Foreign guests frequently asked for photos with him, impressed by both his cuteness and professionalism.
But even the bravest working dogs cannot outrun time. As Pablo grew older and his physical strength declined, he retired in accordance with regulations. Lars adopted him without hesitation, welcoming him home not as a tool of law enforcement, but as a beloved family member. “He wasn’t just my partner at work — he was my brother,” Lars says with emotion.
Three years ago, Pablo passed away at the age of eleven. Lars held a farewell ceremony to honor the loyal companion who had spent his life protecting Taiwan’s borders. “He devoted his whole life to serving the country,” Lars says. “Sending him off with respect was the least I could do.”
Pablo’s journey reflects the dedication of all detector dogs who work silently at the nation’s gateways. According to Keelung Customs, the Detector Dog Unit helped seize over six metric tons of illegal drugs from 2022 to 2025 alone, demonstrating their irreplaceable role in Taiwan’s anti-drug efforts. Through the story of Pablo and Lars, Customs hopes to raise public awareness of drug issues and inspire continued support for building a drug-free homeland — one safeguarded by heroes with four paws and endless loyalty.
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