Drug smuggling is no laughing matter—offenders can face serious legal consequences. But what happens when the perpetrator isn’t human?
In a strange and unexpected twist in Costa Rica, authorities arrested an unlikely suspect at the Pococí Penitentiary: a cat. Yes, a feline was caught red-pawed trying to smuggle illegal drugs into the prison compound.
Prison officials first became suspicious when they noticed the cat wandering around the facility with a tightly wrapped piece of cloth strapped to its body. Upon inspecting the bundle, they were stunned to find several packets of marijuana, 70 grams of cocaine paste, and two small pieces of paper commonly used as drug paraphernalia.
The cat, quickly dubbed “Narcomishi” or “Narco Kitten,” was turned over to the National Animal Health Service (SENASA) for proper care. Authorities assured the public that the animal was being treated well, despite its involvement in what they jokingly called a drug-related “offense.”
While the idea of a drug-trafficking cat may seem humorous, prison officials take the matter seriously. They noted that this isn’t the first time animals have been used for smuggling. Back in 2018, another case in the same facility involved a cat carrying earphones, a cellphone charger, and even a mobile phone with an extra battery—all items believed to be intended for inmate use.
The recurring use of animals in prison smuggling operations highlights the creativity—and desperation—of those trying to bypass security systems. It also underscores the ongoing challenges correctional facilities face when it comes to controlling contraband.
As for Narcomishi, the feline may now be off the streets, but its curious case has left many both amused and alarmed, raising important questions about prison security—and the lengths people will go to in order to break the rules.
