A peculiar attempt to smuggle drugs into a prison in Costa Rica has caught global attention after a video of the incident went viral. The story involves an unlikely “criminal” – a black-and-white cat, now famously dubbed the “Drug-smuggling Cat,” strapped with drugs and intercepted by quick-thinking guards.

The Chase Caught on Camera

Guards working at a prison in Pococí, Costa Rica, recently prevented an unusual type of drug delivery. According to Costa Rica’s Ministry of Justice, the feline was spotted near the perimeter fence under the cover of night. The guards acted promptly, and with remarkable agility, one officer was able to climb the fence to catch the furry courier before it entered prison grounds.

The ministry released footage showing the guard retrieving the cat, its small body taped with two packages containing illegal substances.

What the Cat Carried

Authorities revealed that the feline was carrying over 230 grams of marijuana and 67 grams of crack cocaine in two neatly secured plastic packages. After catching the cat, the guards carefully removed the drugs from its fur while it remained on a prison table. The quick intervention successfully stopped the contraband from entering the facility and reaching the inmates.

A Mix of Sympathy and Jokes

The video sparked varied reactions on social media after people shared it online. A large number of commenters saw the humour in the situation, with one person asking, “And how many years in prison will the cat get?” Others, however, voiced concern for the welfare of the animal. One commenter wrote, “How cruel. Poor little kitty,” highlighting the unfortunate position the cat had been put in.

Prison officials later handed the cat over to the National Animal Health Service for an evaluation.

Drug-Smuggling Cat Highlights Broader Challenges

While the story has a bizarre, almost comical element to it, it sheds light on the creative lengths to which criminals will go to smuggle drugs into correctional facilities. Using animals as unwitting carriers underlines the exploitative mindset of those orchestrating such crimes and the toll it can take on innocent creatures.

This episode highlights the ongoing challenges authorities tackle in combating smuggling operations. Vigilant efforts and preventative measures play a crucial role in stopping illegal drugs from entering vulnerable spaces like prisons. Thanks to the swift actions of Costa Rica’s guards, they foiled this unusual “plot” without harming the animal.

Source: CBS