Chapter 130: Chapter 123: Xiaojiu’s Performance Time

’Police dogs *and* police cats are being deployed?’

Yang Qi was puzzled, but he didn’t let it show, responding in a steady voice.

"Wang Detachment, you’re too kind. It’s our honor to be of assistance. As long as it’s within our abilities, we’ll certainly do our best to cooperate."

"Excellent! You’re a straight shooter, Advisor Yang. On behalf of the entire Narcotics Division, thank you," Wang Mengguo said earnestly.

The man sitting next to Wang Mengguo, named Xiao Jun, who looked to be in his thirties and had a neat buzz cut, interjected.

"Advisor Yang, here’s the situation. After several months of preliminary investigation and peripheral surveillance, combined with informant tips and technical analysis, our detachment is fairly certain that a biotech factory named Kangda, located on the border of Lantian District and Lishan County, is strongly suspected of manufacturing drugs."

He took out a simple layout of the factory, pointed at the map, and continued, "On the surface, the factory’s business is producing so-called ’plant-based health supplements,’ and all its paperwork is in order. The owner’s identity is rather sensitive, and he has a complex network of social connections. Without concrete evidence, we can’t obtain a search warrant. The risk of alerting the suspect is too great."

"We’ve coordinated with the health, fire, and environmental protection departments to conduct several surprise inspections during the day under the guise of routine checks."

There was a hint of helplessness in Xiao Jun’s voice. "But they were clearly prepared, or perhaps, their drug manufacturing activities likely don’t take place during normal working hours."

"Several inspections, including record checks of the workshops, warehouses, and raw materials, have turned up no obvious abnormalities or contraband."

After a pause, Xiao Jun’s tone grew more serious. "After repeated case analysis and risk assessment, our judgment is that the factory is highly likely using the late night—specifically, the period between midnight and four or five in the morning, when there’s little foot traffic and oversight is weaker—to carry out their clandestine drug production."

"Starting up equipment, moving raw materials, packaging the final product... even in a deserted factory complex late at night, and though they’d try their best to cover it up, these activities can’t be completely silent, nor can they be completely without a trace."

"Therefore," Xiao Jun said, tapping his finger on several locations marked with red dots on the layout, "we need a pair of ’unobtrusive’ eyes that can sneak into the factory late at night, without a sound, to see for themselves what’s really going on inside those closed workshops."

"Ideally, this pair of eyes should also be able to move nimbly to avoid guards and surveillance cameras."

At this point, Xiao Jun’s gaze shifted to Yang Qi, his expression a mix of inquiry and expectation. "We’ve learned that your black cat, Xiaojiu, performed exceptionally in a previous case handled by the Hongshu Branch. It successfully infiltrated the premises through a narrow ventilation duct and, while wearing a miniature camera, captured crucial evidence."

"A black cat, being active at night, is naturally very stealthy. Even if it’s spotted by a patrolling guard, they’ll most likely assume it’s just a stray from the neighborhood that slipped in, and it won’t raise any major alarms."

"We need Xiaojiu’s help!"

Xiao Jun concluded, "On the night of the operation, we’ll equip it with a special, even more miniature camera with better night-vision capabilities. Then, in the dead of night, we’ll have it sneak into the core production area of the Kangda factory." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"As long as it can capture clear footage of the production scene, equipment, raw materials, or finished products—even just a few minutes of it—that will be more than enough evidence to secure a search warrant!"

A factory with guards on patrol makes using a drone impossible. No matter how small, a drone’s sound can’t be concealed.

But a cat is a different story!

"Once we get the search warrant," Wang Mengguo picked up, his voice firm and resonant, "our main force will immediately storm in and secure the scene. At that point, we’ll need professional drug-sniffing dogs to conduct a sweep of every corner of the factory—including any potential hidden compartments, secret passages, or disguised storerooms—to make sure not a single gram of drugs or piece of manufacturing equipment is missed."

"Advisor Yang, your adopted dogs, Hu Zi and Leopard, are well-trained retired police dogs. Their obedience and search capabilities are beyond question. If they can participate, they would be a perfect addition. But as for Bai Wan..."

He paused and looked at Yang Qi. "We’ve heard Bai Wan’s tracking ability is exceptionally strong, but it probably hasn’t been specially trained to identify and search for the scent of narcotics."

"So, if it’s convenient, we’re hoping that before the operation, we can have Bai Wan quickly familiarize itself with the characteristic scents of several major types of drugs. Even just basic recognition could play an unexpected role at a critical moment."

Yang Qi listened intently, and a clear picture of the plan formed in his mind.

’This really is a mission that requires a multi-pronged joint operation from the animals. Xiaojiu for reconnaissance, Hu Zi and Leopard joining the other police dogs for the assault and search, and they’ve even thought of using Bai Wan as a reserve.’

"I understand."

Yang Qi nodded, his expression calm and confident. "There’s no problem on Xiaojiu’s end. Captain Li knows best about its stealth, climbing ability, and its capacity to understand and execute commands. I’m confident it’s up to the task for a reconnaissance mission like this."

"I can guarantee that!"

Hearing this, Li Hongqi laughed. "In that kidnapping case last time, Xiaojiu was a huge help. It slipped through the ventilation duct so smoothly, and the footage it captured was perfectly clear!"

Wang Mengguo smiled as well. "With Captain Li vouching for it, we’re even more reassured."

Yang Qi continued, "Hu Zi and Leopard are no problem either; they’re in great shape. As for Bai Wan..."

After a brief moment of thought, Yang Qi said, "It’s true that Bai Wan has no experience with the scent of narcotics. I can bring it over and have it familiarize itself under the guidance of your professional staff. Bai Wan is a very quick learner. I’m confident it will have no problem mastering basic identification in a short amount of time."