POCOCÍ, Costa Rica — Guards at Pococí Penitentiary intercepted an unusual drug courier last week: a black-and-white cat with narcotics taped to its body. The incident has gone viral, drawing attention to the growing problem of contraband in Costa Rica’s prisons amid a rise in organized crime.
According to a statement from Costa Rica’s Ministry of Justice, prison officers noticed the cat behaving suspiciously near a barbed wire fence. Upon capturing it, they found two small packages attached to its back. The packages contained 235.65 grams of marijuana, 67.76 grams of heroin, and rolling papers.
The drugs were confiscated, and the cat — quickly nicknamed “Narcomichi” on social media — was handed over to the National Animal Health Service to ensure it was unharmed.
Officials praised the quick response of the guards. An investigation is now underway to find the individuals behind the attempted smuggling. Authorities believe it was a coordinated effort by a criminal group, and say the use of an animal shows increasing creativity among smugglers. Similar cases involving animals have been reported in Panama and Sri Lanka.
Costa Rica has recently tightened prison regulations, limiting inmate visits and phone calls in an effort to reduce the flow of illegal items. However, these measures have led to protests and hunger strikes, raising human rights concerns.
Social media users reacted with a mix of shock, humor, and sympathy for the cat. While some marveled at the bizarre method of smuggling, others focused on the animal’s welfare.
The case of “Narcomichi” highlights the extreme tactics used by criminal networks. As the government works to secure its prisons, officials say the investigation will continue until those responsible are held accountable.
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