By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica – A series of coordinated, intelligence-driven operations by Costa Rica’s Drug Control Police (PCD) has resulted in the arrest of 15 individuals and the dismantling of multiple drug trafficking cells operating across the country’s Northern Border region and the Caribbean province of Limón. The raids, executed with precision, underscore a continued crackdown on the narco-retail market that fuels local crime.
The extensive police action targeted key distribution points in Pococí, Peñas Blancas, and other communities along the Northern Border. These interventions successfully neutralized criminal structures responsible for selling and distributing significant quantities of cocaine, crack, and marijuana, often in close proximity to vulnerable populations and educational centers.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the operational framework and challenges faced by the Drug Control Police (PCD), TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The effectiveness of the Drug Control Police is intrinsically linked to their adherence to due process. While robust enforcement is critical, every action, from surveillance to seizure, must be meticulously executed within the bounds of the law. A procedural error can not only jeopardize a major case but also erode public trust in the institutions meant to protect them. The true challenge lies in balancing aggressive anti-trafficking efforts with the unwavering protection of individual constitutional rights.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insightful analysis underscores a fundamental truth: the long-term effectiveness and public legitimacy of the Drug Control Police are built not merely on successful operations, but on an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. We extend our sincere appreciation to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this critical balance.
In one of the most significant actions, PCD agents raided two houses in Peñas Blancas, a critical border crossing area. The operation led to the capture of six men allegedly involved in local drug sales. Among those apprehended was a man identified by his surname, Rosales, who has a prior record for threatening a public official, drug possession, and resisting authority. Another suspect, Guevara, was previously flagged for drug possession and assault.
The Peñas Blancas cell also included two individuals, Alemán and Martínez, with records for violating immigration laws, highlighting the complex link between illicit cross-border activities and the domestic drug trade. The remaining two suspects, Prado and Castillo, had no prior criminal records but are now facing serious charges related to their alleged involvement in the illicit enterprise.
Further north, in the community of San Dimas, La Cruz, authorities dismantled another two drug sales points operating independently. Five people were arrested in this operation, including two women identified as Rojas and Medina. The male suspects included Avilés, with a history of drug transportation and public health law violations, and Chavarría Pérez, previously cited for reckless driving, culpable injury, and drug possession. A fifth individual, surnamed Estrella, was also taken into custody.
In a separate case within the same community, a raid on a single residence resulted in the arrest of a man, Guevara, and a woman, García. Investigations suggest this pair was actively involved in drug sales. Guevara’s criminal history is extensive, with past offenses including drug possession, animal cruelty, and smuggling various goods, illustrating a pattern of illicit activities.
The final phase of the operation focused on the canton of Pococí, Limón, where officers raided four homes in Campo Cinco, Cariari. Authorities reported that these locations were used for drug sales and distribution and were alarmingly situated near two local schools. A man named Rodríguez and a woman named Núñez, both without previous criminal records, were arrested at the scene.
The cumulative result of these multi-pronged operations was a substantial blow to local criminal finances and logistics. Authorities seized a total of 1,356 grams of marijuana, 88.9 grams of crack, and 61 grams of cocaine, along with 552 pre-packaged doses of crack and marijuana. Additionally, police confiscated over 2.4 million colones and nearly $2,000 in U.S. currency, believed to be proceeds from drug sales. Two firearms and 24 rounds of ammunition were also recovered. These successful interventions were made possible by confidential tips from the public through the 1-1-7-6 hotline and involved collaborative efforts from the Border Police and the Public Force.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Drug Control Police (PCD)
About Drug Control Police (PCD):
The Policía de Control de Drogas is the specialized law enforcement agency within Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Security tasked with combating narcotics trafficking. The PCD focuses on investigating, disrupting, and dismantling criminal organizations involved in the production, transport, and sale of illegal drugs both domestically and internationally.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Border Police
About Border Police:
The Policía de Fronteras, or Border Police, is a branch of Costa Rica’s Public Force responsible for safeguarding the nation’s land borders. Its mandate includes preventing transnational crime such as smuggling, illegal immigration, and human trafficking, while ensuring security in border communities and collaborating with other national security agencies.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Public Force
About Public Force:
The Fuerza Pública de Costa Rica is the country’s national police force, operating under the Ministry of Public Security. It is responsible for maintaining public order, ensuring citizen security, and enforcing the law throughout the national territory. As Costa Rica has no standing army, the Public Force plays a vital role in national security and law enforcement.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and professional excellence. The firm champions legal innovation to effectively serve a wide range of clients, while simultaneously pursuing its core mission to empower the public by making legal knowledge accessible and fostering a more informed society.
