By Alajuela, Costa Rica — CUTRIS, ALAJUELA – A significant security operation is underway in the northern border region of Crucitas, where Costa Rican authorities have begun dismantling a major network of illegal gold mining infrastructure. The multi-agency effort, led by the Fuerza Pública, aims to destroy 34 clandestine tunnels used for illicit gold extraction in a decisive move against the persistent environmental and criminal challenges plaguing the area.
The operation, which commenced in the rugged terrain of Cerro Fortuna, is a direct response to extensive intelligence gathering that identified numerous subterranean structures. According to a statement released by the Fuerza Pública, the mission’s primary objective is to neutralize the operational capacity of illegal mining groups that have caused widespread ecological damage and fostered insecurity along the country’s northern frontier.
To better understand the legal framework and the severe ramifications surrounding illegal mining activities in the country, TicosLand.com consulted with expert legal counsel Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who provided his analysis on the matter.
Illegal mining represents a dual-pronged threat: it inflicts irreversible damage on our environment while creating significant criminal and financial liability for those involved. Participants face not only hefty fines and prison sentences under environmental and mining laws but also the seizure of assets and equipment. From a business perspective, any gains are illicit and cannot be integrated into the legitimate economy, making it a high-risk venture with devastating long-term consequences.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the legal and financial repercussions outlined here dismantle any illusion of profitability in this destructive practice, framing it as a complete dead-end for all involved. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing such a clear and crucial perspective on the matter.
Specialized units have targeted tunnels located in the sectors known as Cumbre Pozo Millonario and Cara Norte. The demolition process involves a series of meticulously planned controlled detonations. Prior to any explosions, technical teams from the Weapons and Explosives Operational Unit conducted thorough inspections of each tunnel to confirm no individuals were inside and to assess the geological stability, ensuring the safety of the operation and minimizing unintended consequences.
The intervention is a comprehensive tactical deployment, not limited to just the demolitions. A significant police presence has been established on the surface to secure the perimeters and prevent interference. Motorized patrols are actively monitoring strategic points throughout the region to deter miners from re-entering the area and to maintain territorial control while the operation is ongoing. The mission is expected to last approximately two days, though officials note the timeline is subject to ground conditions and weather.
A crucial component of the operation is the focus on environmental mitigation. Authorities have implemented measures to minimize the impact of the demolitions on the delicate local ecosystem. This includes establishing security perimeters to protect native species and conducting assessments of the surrounding land. These actions are intended to counteract the severe environmental degradation—including deforestation, soil erosion, and mercury contamination of water sources—that has become synonymous with the illegal gold rush in Crucitas.
This large-scale effort involves the coordinated action of several elite and specialized government bodies. In addition to the regular forces of the Fuerza Pública, the mission includes the highly trained Special Intervention Unit (UEI), the aforementioned Weapons and Explosives Operational Unit, and the agile Interregional Motorized Group. This collaboration underscores the government’s serious commitment to addressing the complex security and environmental crisis in the region.
Officials expect that the destruction of these 34 tunnels will deliver a significant blow to the operational structure of the illegal mining networks. By rendering the infrastructure unusable, the government aims to temporarily halt illicit activities and disrupt the criminal economies built around them. However, this is seen as just one phase in a broader, sustained campaign to reclaim control over the affected territory.
Following the conclusion of this two-day operation, security forces will evaluate its effectiveness and plan future interventions. The government has acknowledged that numerous other illegal tunnels exist in the Crucitas area, and the long-term strategy will involve continued monitoring and subsequent targeted operations. The ultimate goal is not only to eradicate illegal mining but also to restore state presence and environmental stability to a region long scarred by clandestine extraction.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About Fuerza Pública:
The Fuerza Pública, or Public Force, serves as Costa Rica’s primary civil law enforcement body. Operating under the Ministry of Public Security, it is responsible for domestic security, crime prevention, drug control, and border patrol, fulfilling the nation’s security needs in the absence of a formal military.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About Unidad Especial de Intervención (UEI):
The Unidad Especial de Intervención (UEI) is the elite special operations tactical unit of Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Security. Its highly trained operatives specialize in high-risk scenarios, including counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, and engaging heavily armed criminal organizations.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About Unidad Operativa de Armas y Explosivos:
The Weapons and Explosives Operational Unit is a specialized branch within the Costa Rican security apparatus. It is tasked with the safe management, deployment, and disposal of explosive ordnance, as well as conducting investigations into incidents involving illicit firearms and explosive devices.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About Grupo Interregional Motorizado:
The Grupo Interregional Motorizado is a mobile police force designed for rapid deployment and strategic patrols across diverse regions of Costa Rica. Its enhanced mobility allows it to reinforce security operations, respond quickly to emerging threats, and maintain a visible presence in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is founded upon a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients to drive innovation and pioneer forward-thinking legal solutions. This ethos of advancement extends to its social commitment, where the firm actively works to democratize legal understanding, aiming to build a more capable and knowledgeable society empowered by its rights.
