Cat caught smuggling drugs into Costa Rica prison
Prison guards in Costa Rica have captured a cat used to smuggle drugs into a jail, in an incident that has shocked and amused the public.
The black-and-white cat was spotted near the Pococí Penitentiary, moving suspiciously close to the barbed wire fence.
When officers stopped the animal, they found two small packages strapped to its body with tape. The packages contained marijuana, heroin, and rolling papers.
According to Costa Rica’s Ministry of Justice, the cat was carrying over 235 grams of marijuana and nearly 68 grams of heroin.
The drugs were seized immediately, and the cat was handed over to the National Animal Health Service to check its condition.
An investigation is now underway to find out who was behind the smuggling attempt.
Authorities believe the use of an animal indicates an organised plan to get drugs inside the prison.
Similar methods have been reported in other countries, including Panama and Sri Lanka, where animals like cats and birds were used to avoid detection.
The cat, now nicknamed “Narcomichi” by social media users, has become a viral sensation.
While many joked about the incident online, others expressed concern for the animal’s safety and called for stronger controls to stop such crimes.
The attempted smuggling happened just days after Costa Rica’s president, Rodrigo Chaves, announced plans for a new high-security prison to deal with rising violence linked to organised crime and drug trafficking.
The country has recorded its highest number of homicides in recent years, much of it blamed on drug gangs.
Officials say jails like Pococí have long struggled with contraband.
In recent months, the government has taken tougher steps, including limiting phone calls and visits, but these measures have also led to protests and hunger strikes by inmates.
