Flower find - Sniffer dog Skadi sniffs out counterfeit money
Cash-sniffing dog Skadi from Cologne Customs had the right nose: Around 70,000 Euro counterfeit money was detected by the clever animal at Cologne/Bonn Airport in the suitcase of a returning traveler from Turkey, as reported by Customs on Sunday. The Cologne resident had previously attempted to leave the airport terminal through the green, "Nothing to Declare" exit with 8000 Euro cash in his hip pocket.
Although the money was real at first, during the subsequent examination of the luggage and the traveler's clothing, the dog discovered approximately 70,000 Euro and nearly 3000 US Dollars, both counterfeit. The police took over further investigations.
"Skadi is one of two cash-sniffing dogs at Cologne/Bonn Airport and specifically trained for detecting large amounts of cash on people," explained Customs spokesperson Jens Ahland. "He is conditioned to the scent of various currencies." As soon as he detects such a scent on a person, he sits down in front of them. "That's what happened with this man." Skadi is a German Shepherd. The six-year-old male has been working for Customs for five years.
- The incident at Cologne/Bonn Airport was not the first time Skadi, the North Rhine-Westphalia-based sniffer dog from Cologne Customs, had uncovered a crime.
- The discovery of the counterfeit money by Skadi at the airport led to questions about the traveler's intentions, given that the traveler had also attempted to exit through the 'Nothing to Declare' exit with substantial cash.
- While Germany is known for its rigorous customs checks, incidents involving counterfeit money continue to pose a challenge, as was evident in this case originating from Turkey.
- In light of this incident, travelers are reminded to declare all cash above the limit set by German customs regulations, to ensure a smooth and legal passage through Cologne/Bonn Airport.
