Colombian Drug Cartel Puts Bounty On Police's Narcotics Dog

(CBS) -- A Colombian drug gang has out a $70,000 bounty on a police dog. Sombra or "Shadow" has sniffed out almost 10 tons of drugs in more than 300 operations. The K9's work has lead to 245 arrests.

Intelligence sources say drug sniffing dog's record success has lead the Colombian cartel to put a 200m-peso ($70,000) price on its head, BBC News reports.

COLOMBIA-DRUGS-SNIFFING DOG — Colombian drug-sniffing dog "Sombra" works at El Dorado International airport in Bogota on Friday. Sombra was threatened with death by the Gulf Clan, the largest drug gang in the country. (credit: Raul Arboleda/AFP/Getty Images)

The Urabeños gang responsible for the hit request is considered Colombia's most powerful criminal organization. Police have moved Sombra to ensure her safety.

Gang puts bounty on... a dog.
PUP PROTECTIVE PROGRAM: This may be a first -- a Colombian drug gang has put a $70,000 bounty on a police dog. https://cbsn.ws/2mMTNcD
Posted by CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell on Friday, July 27, 2018

The six-year-old German shepherd is now stationed at the Bogotá Airport, which is much safer than the gang's heartland, where she used to work with counter-narcotics forces.

Police say she is accompanied by her usual handler as well as extra officers to improve her safety during her deployments.

Featured Local Savings

More from CBS News

Registered sex offender tried to kidnap child at school, police say

Suspect arrested, 6-year-old girl returned to parents after alleged kidnapping

Woman appears to be latest victim of "Keanu Reeves Scam"

Suspect arrested, accused of setting several fires since April 9