Overview

• Prison guards at Pococí Penitentiary in Costa Rica captured a black-and-white cat on May 6, 2025, carrying 235.65 grams of marijuana and 67.76 grams of crack cocaine strapped to its body.
• The drugs were confiscated, and the cat, nicknamed 'Narcomichi' by social media users, was handed over to the National Animal Health Service for health evaluation.
• Authorities are analyzing surveillance footage to identify those responsible for orchestrating the smuggling attempt, which is part of a broader trend of using animals to transport contraband into prisons.
• The Costa Rican Ministry of Justice shared a video of the incident on social media, which quickly went viral and sparked public concern over animal exploitation in criminal activities.
• This case highlights recurring vulnerabilities in Costa Rican prison security, prompting officials to reassess protocols and align with the government’s broader tough-on-crime strategy, including plans for a new maximum-security facility.