CANINE crime fighter Buster has recovered more than £5.5million of drugs destined for Scotland's streets.

And after seven years of handing out "wuff" justice to drugs smugglers at airports and ferry ports across the country, the springer spaniel is set to retire.

The nine-year-old is set to hand in his badge next month and is said to be looking forward to being 'bone idle'.

As well as sniffing out drugs, Buster was "dual trained" to find cash - and he went on to recover more than £750,000 during his time with the police.

He is part of an elite unit which has stopped millions of pounds worth of cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, making their way to Glasgow.

Part of Buster's job is to search luggage at Glasgow Airport and check ferries and boats for suspicious items, as well as following his nose to crack drugs cases.

Police said Gizmo, a year-old puppy, is set to take over search duties at the ports - but warned he has Buster's tough record to beat.

In 2008, Buster joined Police Scotland's elite sniffer dogs, who hunt for weapons, drugs, cash, stolen items and explosives.

During his career, he has been involved in almost 50 operations.

He is based at ports across the country, including Glasgow Airport, Stranraer, Loch Ryan and Cairnryan.

Detective Inspector Colin McColm said: "Buster undoubtedly deserves credit for his hard work over the years.

"However it is most definitely a team effort and credit too must be paid to Buster's handler, Ian. "For more than seven years they have been deployed at sea ports and airports across Scotland.

"In addition, they have been regular attendees at local music festivals.

"Ian and Buster are a great team, with commitment and enthusiasm, they have gone about their duty in a professional and cheery manner, culminating in some great drug busting results."

Not long after he qualified as a police dog, Buster was struck down with a mystery illness.

He was diagnosed with Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA), and overnight, Buster became critically ill. His brother, Barney, also a police search dog, came to his rescue by donating some of his blood to Buster.