Cat nabbed attempting to sneak illicit substances into prison

Prison guards in Costa Rica have intercepted a black and white cat attempting to smuggle narcotics into the Pococí Prison.

The feline, now infamously dubbed 'Narcomichi' by amused netizens, was spotted prowling suspiciously around a grassy zone near the facility’s perimeter on May 6, 2025.

Acting swiftly, officers captured the animal and were stunned to find two packages strapped tightly to its body using tape.

Inside the parcels were approximately 236 grams of marijuana, nearly 68 grams of heroin, and two sheets of rolling papers.

According to Channel 4 Newa, the Ministry of Justice shared details of the unusual operation in a Facebook post that quickly went viral, sparking a mix of shock, disbelief, and humour across social media.

One officer stationed at a watchtower first noticed the cat’s odd behaviour before raising the alarm. Thanks to the rapid response, the contraband was seized before it could reach its intended destination.

In a video that has since been widely circulated online, authorities are seen carefully cutting the tape from Narcomichi’s body. The feline remained calm and unbothered throughout the process, adding to the surreal nature of the moment.

Police have launched a full investigation to determine who trained and dispatched the animal, suspecting it was used to deliver drugs to specific inmates.

While animals have occasionally been exploited in drug trafficking schemes before, the use of a domestic cat in such an operation is highly unusual and has ignited widespread curiosity.

Following the incident, the cat was handed over to Costa Rica’s National Animal Health Service (SENASA) for a health assessment and care. Authorities confirmed that the animal itself is not considered guilty but rather a victim of criminal manipulation.

Online, the story of Narcomichi has taken on a life of its own. Comments poured in, with one user writing, “The not-so purrfect crime,” while another clarified, “The cat WAS NOT smuggling drugs; it was being used to smuggle drugs.”

Others expressed concern about animals being abused in smuggling rings, with some referencing more brutal methods involving dogs and goats.