By Gemma Fraser
Head of content
A much-loved police dog who was responsible for recovering six firearms and more than £1.5 million in illegal drugs has died.
Retired Police Dog Eddie was well known to officers, and was affectionately dubbed ‘Ed the Ned’ due to his crazy antics and hairstyle.
Born in 2016, Eddie joined Police Scotland as a pup and had a hugely successful career, including a single drugs recovery totalling more than £400,000 which he found hidden in a vehicle in Glasgow.
He was paired with dog handler David McIntyre in March 2017, and they were licensed as a drugs and firearms detection team, working in the west command area.
McIntyre, who was previously named Cops’ Cop of the Year at the Scottish Police Federation Awards, described Eddie as a “real cheeky character with a lot of love”.
“Eddie was so well known that members of the public knew his name when we were out working, and would want to get pictures with him. A little celebrity,” he told 1919.
“He was truly made for the job. Just loved it.
“During his time, he and I were filmed for a TV show called Dog Detectives that aired on the Discovery and Quest TV channels and is now able to be viewed forever thanks to YouTube.
“This was a truly incredible experience, as he and I were a new partnership and I was able to show the viewers how amazing these dogs are and how unique Eddie was.
“In one episode, Eddie located a well-hidden stash of illegal drugs in a car. In another, he decided to drink the water from a cannabis bong, showing his mental side and keeping me on my toes. Thankfully there were no side effects and Eddie was fine.
“He is so missed and the house is so quiet without him.”
“Eddie was so well known that members of the public knew his name when we were out working, and would want to get pictures with him”
Dog handler David McIntyre
Eddie retired in October 2025 and was supported by the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals charity, so he could continue to live at home.
The charity offers financial grants to help cover the costs of veterinary and medical bills for retired dogs and horses from all blue light services when their working days come to an end.
Charity founder Lady Bathurst said: “It is a genuine honour to be able to support retired police dogs like Eddie, and to help ensure their service is recognised, celebrated, and never forgotten.
“We firmly believe the public should hear the stories of these remarkable animals, because they give so much throughout their working lives to keep our communities safe.
“Eddie was clearly a character in every sense of the word, but behind the humour and personality was an exceptional police dog.
“His discovery of more than £400,000 worth of illegal drugs is a powerful reminder of the vital role police dogs play in protecting our communities.
“Alongside locating firearms and supporting countless operational deployments, police dogs like Eddie quietly make our streets safer every single day.”
Eddie passed away in April after a short illness.
