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Symbolic picture: Belgian Shepherd Dog
Photo: fotografiehalle / Getty Images
A police operation in Siegburg, North Rhine-Westphalia, began as a simple animal rescue and ended with the discovery of a private marijuana plantation.
The police had been called because a sheepdog was roaming free without a handler.
Drivers noticed the animal on Tuesday.
The officers quickly caught the peaceful young animal and, following instructions from passers-by, found the alleged dog owner's apartment.
The front door was open.
The police said the clever dog probably opened the door from the inside and started his walk.
Because the apartment smelled strongly of marijuana, the officers took a closer look around the apartment - and found a wardrobe that had been converted into a marijuana greenhouse.
While they were securing the mini plantation, the two tenants showed up.
They are now being investigated on suspicion of illegal drug cultivation.
The officials wrote of an "unsolicited application" from the dog.
Belgian Shepherds are often trained to be drug detection dogs by the police.
zob / dpa