A cat was caught being used to smuggle drugs into a prison in Russia after correctional officers discovered the animal wearing a suspicious homemade collar containing prohibited substances.

The unusual incident took place at Correctional Colony No. 17 (IK-17) in the Nizhny Novgorod region, according to Russia’s Federal Penitentiary Service (FSIN).

Homemade collar raised suspicions

Prison staff spotted the cat before it managed to enter the facility. Officials said the animal was wearing two improvised fabric collars, inside which illegal substances intended for inmates had reportedly been hidden.

The unusual appearance of the collar attracted the attention of correctional officers, who inspected the item and discovered the concealed packages.

A dog handler with a specially trained detection dog was called to the scene, and the animal confirmed that the collar-like item contained drugs.

Cat released after inspection

Authorities said the cat was released after officials confirmed that it had not been harmed during the incident.

The FSIN is continuing its investigation to identify the people believed to have organized the attempted delivery of drugs into the prison.