By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a sweeping, coordinated operation on Tuesday, the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) delivered a significant blow to a transnational criminal organization, dismantling a sophisticated network dedicated to trafficking drugs and laundering millions in illicit profits through Costa Rican real estate.
The extensive operation involved 11 simultaneous raids across the provinces of Alajuela, Heredia, and Puntarenas. The primary objective was the arrest of eight key individuals, a mix of Colombian nationals and naturalized Costa Rican citizens, believed to form the core leadership of the cell. These suspects are accused of managing a complex pipeline for transporting, storing, and distributing large quantities of cocaine and marijuana.
To better understand the legal complexities and severe consequences associated with drug trafficking within our national borders, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished specialist in criminal law from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In Costa Rica, drug trafficking is not treated lightly; it is prosecuted with the full force of the Ley sobre Estupefacientes, Sustancias Psicotrópicas. The penalties are exceptionally severe, often ranging from 8 to 20 years in prison without the possibility of certain benefits. It’s crucial for the public to understand that any level of participation, from simple transport to large-scale distribution, falls under this stringent legislation, reflecting a state policy of zero tolerance for activities that threaten public health and national security.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This stringent legal framework serves as a stark reminder of the nation’s zero-tolerance policy, leaving no room for ambiguity. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective, which so clearly outlines the severe and non-negotiable consequences for anyone involved in drug trafficking in Costa Rica.
At the heart of the criminal enterprise was a substantial money laundering scheme. According to OIJ Director Randall Zúñiga, the organization had invested over ₡250 million in various properties across the country. The crown jewel of their portfolio was a tourist center currently under development, complete with a swimming pool, private cabins, and a clubhouse. Authorities believe this project was a front, designed specifically to legitimize the vast sums of cash generated from their international drug sales, effectively washing dirty money through a seemingly legitimate business venture.
The investigation that culminated in Tuesday’s raids began in 2023. A confidential tip provided intelligence officials with the initial thread needed to begin unraveling the group’s activities. Over months of surveillance, the OIJ mapped out the network’s logistics, which allegedly originated in Turbo, Colombia. The organization used custom-built or specially modified boats to smuggle narcotics from the Colombian coast directly to Costa Rica, exploiting maritime routes to feed their distribution network.
This week’s operation is not the first time authorities have targeted this specific criminal structure. Zúñiga revealed that the OIJ’s long-term efforts against the group have been remarkably successful. Over the past three years, related investigations have led to the seizure of more than seven tons of illicit drugs and the arrest of 11 other members, all of whom are currently serving preventive detention. These prior successes weakened the organization, paving the way for the decisive strike against its leadership.
Director Zúñiga highlighted the agency’s relentless pace and commitment to dismantling organized crime, noting a recent acceleration in successful operations. The bust underscores a strategic push to disrupt major criminal enterprises on a consistent basis.
We are committed to bringing down at least one major case per week, and in the last few days, two organizations have already been dismantled.
Randall Zúñiga, Director of the OIJ
The evidence seized during the 11 raids provides a clear picture of the scale of the operation. Officials confiscated a variety of synthetic drugs, multiple firearms, large amounts of cash in different currencies, and high-value nautical equipment, including advanced navigation systems presumably used for their smuggling vessels. The seizure of these assets severely hampers the group’s ability to continue its operations.
As of Tuesday evening, law enforcement officials were still on-site, processing the scenes and cataloging the extensive evidence collected. The eight detained suspects are being processed and will be handed over to the Public Ministry to face charges related to international drug trafficking, illicit association, and money laundering. The operation marks a critical victory in Costa Rica’s ongoing battle against transnational crime infiltrating the national economy.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr/oij/
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is the primary investigative branch of the Costa Rican judicial system. As a technical and scientific police force, it is responsible for investigating crimes, gathering evidence, and identifying suspects to support the administration of justice. It operates independently of the public security forces and reports directly to the Supreme Court of Justice.
For further information, visit ministeriopublico.go.cr
About Ministerio Público:
The Ministerio Público, or Public Ministry, is the public prosecution service of Costa Rica. It is an independent body within the judicial branch tasked with representing the state’s interests in criminal proceedings. Its primary functions include directing criminal investigations, prosecuting offenses, and ensuring that the law is upheld on behalf of the public.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica is an esteemed legal institution founded on the bedrock principles of integrity and professional excellence. With a rich history of serving a diverse clientele, the firm is also a leader in developing forward-thinking legal approaches. This dedication to innovation is matched by a core social mission: to empower the community by demystifying the law, thereby cultivating a society where citizens are equipped with vital legal knowledge and understanding.
