A trained carrier pigeon was apprehended by authorities on the
outskirts of the Cómbita prison in the northwest department of Boyacá.
The bird had an external card for a cellular phone attached to its back.
W Radio reported that Boyacá Police Chief Juan Carlos Polanía said that due to heavy rains in the region, the pigeon had become soaked and was unable to fly. The bird was found sheltering in a tree by prison guards patrolling the area. It was then captured and thus failed to complete its mission.
Polanía said the incident should be of concern to authorities, as it provides an ingenious way for prisoners to continue committing crimes from inside prison without detection. He added that authorities were not equipped to combat this new means of communication.
The nearby prison houses some of Colombia’s most wanted, including leaders of criminal gangs, guerrillas and drug traffickers.
According to El Espectador, carrier pigeons are also used to transport illegal drugs such as cocaine and marijuana.
Authorities did not comment on whether the pigeon will remain in police custody.