Kuwaiti customs officers intercepted an unusual drug courier after catching a homing pigeon carrying 178 suspected narcotic pills in a tiny pouch strapped to its body.
The incident occurred in May 2017 at the Abdali border crossing, near Kuwait’s border with Iraq.
According to reports at the time, customs officers had been monitoring the pigeon before eventually catching it near the customs facility.
A small fabric pouch, resembling a miniature backpack, had been attached to the bird’s body. Inside it were 178 pills.
Kuwaiti newspaper Al-Rai reported that the pills were believed to be ketamine, although the identification was not officially confirmed by Kuwait Customs.
Reports said customs officials were already aware that pigeons could be used to transport drugs, but the interception was reportedly the first known case in which a bird was caught carrying narcotics at the border.
The pigeon’s journey ended at the customs post, with its unusual cargo seized by authorities.
