Source:
https://scmp.com/news/world/americas/article/2144241/veterinarian-accused-implanting-heroin-puppies-colombia-drug
World/ Americas

Labrador puppies ‘had liquid heroin implanted in them by veterinarian so they could be used to smuggle drugs into US’, prosecutors say

The veterinarian, Andres Lopez Elorza, is in custody and awaiting a court appearance in Brooklyn, New York

Andres Lopez Elorza is accused of surgically implanting liquid heroin into these puppies. Photo: DEA

A veterinarian accused of implanting liquid heroin in puppies for a Colombian drug trafficking ring is now in custody in New York.

The US Drug Enforcement Administration said on Tuesday that Andres Lopez Elorza was awaiting a court appearance in Brooklyn.

Lopez, who is Venezuelan, was arrested in 2015 in Spain. He was extradited to the US on Monday.

US authorities say Lopez stitched packets of heroin into the bellies of Labrador retrievers and other breeds. Photo: DEA
US authorities say Lopez stitched packets of heroin into the bellies of Labrador retrievers and other breeds. Photo: DEA

US authorities say Lopez stitched packets of heroin into the bellies of Labrador retrievers and other breeds sent on commercial flights to New York City. They say the packets were then cut out of the puppies, who died in the process.

Colombian authorities found heroin surgically implanted in six puppies during a 2005 raid on a clinic Lopez ran, reported NBC 4 New York. In 2006, twenty-two Colombians were arrested in the case.

There was no immediate information on a US lawyer who could comment on his behalf.