Prison drug‑smuggling attempts foiled in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic

Authorities in Costa Rica’s Alajuela high‑security prison intercepted a pigeon that was carrying a paper‑wrapped package. While the contents were harmless, officials suspect the bird is being trained for future drug transport, recalling the 2015 “Narki” narco‑pigeon case.

In the Dominican Republic, penitentiary officials continued to arrest individuals attempting to introduce illicit substances into correctional facilities. One suspect was captured after launching balls, reportedly containing “pigeons,” from a moving motor vehicle at the CCR XVI center in La Vega. Recent prosecutions also include a mother who tried to smuggle drugs to an 11‑year‑old detainee and another case involving contraband at a women’s prison. Officials emphasized a zero‑tolerance policy toward drug use within prisons, citing concerns for inmate rehabilitation and public safety.