When the police dog spotted this bag at the airport, it started to complain and turn to face the border officer.

Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport is always bustling, and ensuring its security is a top concern. Alongside law enforcement officers, specially trained detection dogs play an essential role, silently sniffing out drugs, explosives, and hidden cash.

One day, while doing routine checks in the cargo terminal, a search dog suddenly stopped in front of a shipment from Kazakhstan and grew noticeably agitated. Though the box had already passed inspection, the dog’s behavior raised alarm bells. The package had tiny air holes—possibly vents. The bomb squad was called in, and the area was evacuated. Once it was confirmed there were no explosives, the box was opened, revealing a shocking discovery: two tiny, dehydrated tiger cubs crammed into sawdust, malnourished and terrified after days without food or water.

Veterinarians were quickly called to help, and the cubs—later named Tobby and Sophie—were taken to a shelter where they eventually recovered. The investigation revealed they were part of an illegal sale from a zoo in Kazakhstan, and the zoo’s director was arrested.

Thanks to one determined dog, the smuggling operation was foiled, and two endangered tiger cubs were given a chance at a new life.