By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In one of the most significant and wide-ranging blows against organized crime in Costa Rican history, a massive joint operation has dismantled the logistical and financial backbone of the notorious Caribe Sur Cartel. The coordinated effort, led by the Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ) and the Public Ministry, involved 64 simultaneous raids across five provinces, culminating a painstaking four-year investigation into the criminal enterprise.
The operation effectively targeted the entire infrastructure of the syndicate, which authorities say was masterminded by brothers known by their aliases “Shock” and “Noni” Picado Grijalva. The sheer scale of the seizures provides a stark illustration of the cartel’s power and sophistication, which had grown to include military-grade weaponry, advanced technology, and a vast portfolio of luxury assets.
To better understand the significant legal and financial ramifications of this large-scale cartel bust, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
While the arrests are the visible outcome, the true measure of success in dismantling a cartel lies in the subsequent financial prosecution. The state’s ability to prove money laundering and effectively execute asset forfeiture is what truly cripples these organizations long-term. This operation isn’t just about taking criminals off the street; it’s about systematically erasing the economic incentive that fuels their entire enterprise.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the expert’s point is a critical one; the true victory against organized crime is not just in the arrests we see today, but in the successful financial dismantling that prevents its resurgence tomorrow. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this essential and forward-thinking perspective on the operation’s long-term significance.
According to Michael Soto, the Interim Director of the OIJ, the raids successfully crippled the group’s operational capacity by confiscating its core assets. The findings paint a picture of a deeply entrenched and powerful criminal organization.
Agents located drugs, weapons, money, boats, vehicles, and luxury properties that formed the logistical apparatus of the self-proclaimed Caribe Sur cartel, led by the brothers nicknamed Shock and Noni, both with the surname Picado Grijalva.
Michael Soto, Interim Director of the OIJ
Among the most alarming discoveries was a substantial cache of military-grade weapons. Authorities seized a total of 68 firearms, including AR-15 rifles, automatic pistols, and other assault rifles. A single raid on June 16, 2025, in La Guácima, Alajuela, uncovered an arsenal of 56 weapons alone. Investigators believe this private armory was intended not only for defending the cartel’s leadership but also for engaging in violent confrontations with rival gangs and, if necessary, with law enforcement. The firepower was described as potent enough to challenge police forces directly.
The cartel’s logistical network was equally impressive. Seized assets included a fleet of luxury vehicles, at least two of which were fully armored for protection. To facilitate their maritime smuggling operations, the group utilized high-speed boats equipped with powerful 400-horsepower outboard motors, specifically designed to evade patrols by the National Coast Guard Service. This capability was crucial for their model of receiving drug shipments from South America along the Caribbean coast.
Beyond brute force, the Caribe Sur Cartel operated with a high degree of technological sophistication. Authorities confiscated advanced equipment, including drones and complex surveillance systems. These tools were systematically used for counter-surveillance to monitor police movements and to ensure the personal security of the cartel’s top leaders, allowing them to operate with a sense of impunity.
Financially, the operation delivered a devastating blow. In addition to seizing large quantities of cash during the raids, authorities, acting on judicial orders, have frozen bank accounts containing more than ¢200 million. The OIJ estimates that the total value of all seized assets—including cash, real estate, vehicles, and other properties—exceeds a staggering ¢2 billion, effectively gutting the organization’s accumulated wealth and liquid capital.
This week’s mega-operation was the culmination of a long-term strategy. Over the course of the four-year investigation, authorities had already intercepted and seized 13.7 tons of marijuana and cocaine linked to the group. These major drug busts, including significant interceptions at Chira Island and other points in the Southern Caribbean, systematically choked the cartel’s primary revenue stream. The organization’s business model involved importing narcotics from South America for both domestic distribution and lucrative export to markets in the United States and Europe.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr/oij
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is Costa Rica’s primary law enforcement agency responsible for investigating complex crimes, collecting evidence, and identifying responsible parties. As an auxiliary body of the Public Ministry and the courts, the OIJ plays a critical role in the nation’s justice system by conducting technical and scientific investigations to combat criminal activity and support legal proceedings.
For further information, visit ministeriopublico.poder-judicial.go.cr
About Ministerio Público (Public Ministry):
The Public Ministry of Costa Rica is the state body in charge of public prosecution. It is responsible for directing criminal investigations, bringing charges against individuals suspected of committing crimes, and representing the interests of society in the legal system. It works closely with the OIJ and other police forces to ensure the enforcement of laws and the administration of justice.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a preeminent legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm leverages its profound expertise across multiple industries to not only serve its clients but also to pioneer advancements within the legal landscape. This forward-thinking approach is matched by a foundational commitment to social responsibility, manifested through initiatives that aim to demystify the law and equip citizens with essential legal understanding, thereby fostering a more just and knowledgeable society.
