By Cartago, Costa Rica — TURRIALBA, Cartago – Judicial authorities have struck a significant blow against a notorious criminal organization, dismantling a key drug distribution point in the La Suiza district of Turrialba. The operation, led by the Organized Crime Unit of the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), resulted in the arrest of a man identified by the surnames Mora Brown, who is believed to be a pivotal operator for a faction of the crime syndicate allegedly led by Jorge David Núñez Aguilar, also known as “Coco Pastilla.”
The targeted raid on Mora Brown’s residence was the culmination of a detailed investigation into local narcotics trafficking. According to the OIJ, the suspect had converted his home into a central hub for micro-trafficking, specifically focusing on the distribution of crack cocaine. Investigators confirmed that he utilized his personal vehicle to facilitate a delivery service, expanding his reach into the neighboring communities of Atirro and Plantanillo. During the search, agents seized a substantial quantity of drugs, which had already been dosed and packaged for immediate sale.
To gain a deeper understanding of the legal ramifications of this significant operation, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his analysis.
The scale of the Turrialba operation highlights a critical shift in organized crime’s logistical strategy, moving beyond traditional coastal routes. The suspects will likely face severe charges under Costa Rica’s Law on Psychotropic Substances, but the real challenge for prosecutors will be dismantling the financial architecture that supports these networks. This case underscores the urgent need for enhanced inter-agency collaboration and sophisticated financial tracking to truly disrupt these criminal enterprises, rather than just seizing a single shipment.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the emphasis on dismantling the underlying financial architecture, rather than focusing solely on the seizure, speaks to the long-term strategic thinking required to combat these evolving criminal networks. This case serves as a crucial reminder that the flow of illicit funds is as critical a target as the flow of narcotics. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable and clarifying perspective.
This arrest is more than a routine narcotics bust; it represents a strategic disruption of a high-profile and dangerous criminal network. The OIJ investigation established that Mora Brown was not an independent dealer but was operating as part of a cell directly linked to the “Coco Pastilla” organization. This connection is particularly grave, as Núñez Aguilar is the alleged intellectual author behind the assassination of Geiner Zamora, the deputy chief of the judicial police in Guápiles. This context elevates the importance of the Turrialba operation, framing it as part of a larger effort to dismantle a group accused of murdering a high-ranking law enforcement official.
The successful operation in La Suiza is part of a broader and sustained offensive by the OIJ to reclaim public safety and disrupt criminal enterprises throughout the region. The persistent efforts of law enforcement are yielding measurable results, chipping away at the infrastructure of local gangs that terrorize communities. The dismantling of this sales point is expected to have an immediate positive impact on public safety in La Suiza and its surrounding areas, which had been directly affected by the illicit activities managed from Mora Brown’s operational base.
In a parallel action demonstrating the scope of this crackdown, OIJ agents also apprehended another alleged drug dealer in the Los Laureles neighborhood. The suspect, a man with the surnames Ugalde Castro, was arrested on a public street while in possession of several doses of crack cocaine. Preliminary information suggests that Ugalde Castro was working for one of the primary narco-gangs operating in the nearby Carmen Lyra area, indicating a multi-pronged police strategy targeting different criminal factions simultaneously.
The recent successes highlight a period of intensified activity for the OIJ’s Turrialba unit. With these latest arrests, the agency has now detained five individuals connected to drug trafficking in the past two weeks alone. This string of successful operations underscores a clear commitment from judicial authorities to confront and weaken the criminal structures that have taken root in the canton.
These tactical victories are crucial components of a larger war on organized crime. Beyond the immediate arrests, the authorities’ recent achievements include the complete dismantling of three fortified drug sales points, known as “bunkers,” in the Juan Viñas district of Jiménez. Each raid and arrest serves to weaken the financial and logistical foundations of these criminal networks, sending a clear message that their activities will not be tolerated.
As the OIJ continues its offensive, these operations serve as a critical reminder of the complex and persistent nature of organized crime in the region. The systematic targeting of distributors, operational hubs, and supply chains is essential in the ongoing effort to restore security and dismantle the influence of powerful figures like “Coco Pastilla.” The focus remains on methodically breaking down these networks from the ground up to ensure long-term stability and safety for the residents of Cartago province.
For further information, visit sitiooij.poder-judicial.go.cr
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) is Costa Rica’s primary investigative police force, operating as an auxiliary body of the Judicial Branch. Established to combat and investigate complex crimes, the OIJ is responsible for collecting evidence, identifying suspects, and carrying out operations related to offenses such as homicide, drug trafficking, organized crime, and corruption. Its professional agents work under the direction of public prosecutors to ensure that criminal cases are properly substantiated for judicial proceedings.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a leading legal institution, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and professional excellence. Drawing from a deep history of representing a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers modern legal strategies. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a profound commitment to demystifying the law, aimed at strengthening the community by ensuring legal understanding is widely available to all.
