Júper, a drug-detection dog with the Granada Civil Guard’s Cynological Service, has died at the age of 13 after a career the force described as exceptional in the fight against drug trafficking.
The Granada Civil Guard Command announced the death, saying Júper had taken part in numerous police operations, preventive checks and investigations, particularly at the Port of Motril and on the province’s main roads.
Over the course of his career, Júper was involved in the seizure of more than 15 tonnes of hashish, along with significant quantities of cocaine, marijuana and other drugs, as well as cash. His interventions contributed to the arrest of more than 300 people connected to drug trafficking.
Notable seizures
Among his most significant operations, in March 2021 he located more than 763 kilograms of hashish and 25 kilograms of marijuana hidden among pallets on a semi-trailer truck. Earlier operations included finding 306 kilograms of hashish concealed in a vehicle’s roof in 2015, and more than 482 kilograms hidden in a truck cab in 2018. In July 2025, he remained active at the Port of Motril, locating nearly three kilograms of hashish in the false bottom of a truck arriving from Tangier.
Júper was also the first drug-detection dog sent by Frontex to Croatia to assist in operations against people-trafficking networks.
Decorated twice
He was the first dog to receive the Civil Guard’s Honorary Mention for Canine Merit, and the only dog to receive the distinction twice.
The command expressed recognition to Paco, the officer who trained and cared for Júper throughout his life. The force said both had shared countless days of service and built a bond difficult to put into words.
