Video Cat caught smuggling ganja and cocaine into a Costa Rican prison cell

Video: Cat Caught Smuggling Ganja and Cocaine Into Costa Rican Prison Cell

*San José, Costa Rica — Prison authorities in Costa Rica have intercepted a novel attempt to smuggle narcotics into a correctional facility, reportedly involving a cat fitted with packets of illegal drugs. The unusual incident, captured on video and shared by various news outlets, has raised concerns over innovative methods being used to bypass security in prisons.*

Feline ‘Purr-petrator’ Detained by Guards

According to video evidence and reports circulating on platforms such as Yahoo, The Mirror, MSN, and KPVI, prison guards spotted a cat acting suspiciously near the perimeter of a Costa Rican prison. On closer inspection, they discovered that the animal had small packages strapped to its body.

Upon apprehension, authorities found the contents included approximately 300 grams of illicit substances believed to be marijuana (commonly referred to as ganja) and cocaine. Some reports also mention heroin as part of the smuggled narcotics.

Drug-Smuggling Cat Sheds Light on Security Challenges

The incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by prison administrations worldwide concerning the smuggling of contraband, particularly drugs. While people have employed methods such as hidden drones, tunnels, or corrupt staff in the past, the use of animals, like this so-called “Narco Kitten,” represents a particularly creative approach.

Video footage shows prison guards carefully removing the small package secured to the feline with a makeshift harness. The package was later confirmed to contain the banned substances. Authorities believe the cat may have been trained or enticed to enter prison grounds by handlers positioned outside the facility.

Authorities Respond to ‘Purr-blo Escobar’ Incident

Costa Rican law enforcement and prison officials have since launched an internal investigation to determine if inmates inside the prison were expecting the drugs. Security has been tightened at the facility, and animal control services were called in to care for the intercepted cat.

International media quickly dubbed the animal as “Purr-blo Escobar,” a tongue-in-cheek reference to infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar. The incident has sparked discussion on social media about animal welfare, prison conditions, and the lengths criminal networks may go to in order to supply inmates with illegal substances.

Previous Animal Smuggling Attempts

Although rare, this is not the first documented case of animals being used to smuggle prohibited items into detention centers. Over the years, authorities in various countries have reported birds, cats, and even rodents being used to ferry drugs or mobile phones to inmates.

Significance for Prison Security

Prison officials have reiterated their commitment to maintaining high security and adapting detection methods as smugglers employ ever-evolving techniques. The intercepted cat remains under the care of animal welfare professionals and is reportedly in good health.

This latest episode in Costa Rica serves as a reminder of both the ingenuity of smugglers and the vigilance required from law enforcement to counteract creative criminal schemes.

*For more, see the original coverage on Yahoo, The Mirror, MSN, and KPVI.*