By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – In a decisive blow against organized crime within Costa Rica’s penitentiary system, a sophisticated joint operation at the Jorge Arturo Montero Castro Penitentiary Center, famously known as La Reforma, has resulted in significant seizures of contraband and the stunning arrest of four prison officials. The meticulously planned raid, conducted on December 22, 2025, utilized state-of-the-art scanning technology to uncover a wide array of illicit items, revealing the persistent challenges authorities face in securing the nation’s largest prison.
The operation was a collaborative effort between the Penitentiary Police and the Coast Guard Police, underscoring a multi-agency approach to dismantling criminal networks that operate from behind bars. Authorities implemented rigorous controls on all personnel and visitors entering the facility, alongside targeted searches of various sectors within the prison. These enhanced security measures proved highly effective, leading directly to multiple discoveries and detentions that have sent a clear message of zero tolerance.
To provide a legal perspective on the complexities and state obligations concerning prison security, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The State holds a non-delegable duty of care over individuals in its custody. Any systemic failure in prison security, whether leading to internal violence or escapes, constitutes a significant breach of this responsibility. From a legal standpoint, such lapses not only undermine public trust but also expose the administration to potential lawsuits for damages, both from affected inmates and from victims of crimes committed by escapees. It is imperative that security protocols are not merely punitive but are grounded in constitutional principles and human rights standards.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective powerfully highlights that failures in prison security are not just operational oversights, but a profound breach of the State’s constitutional duty, creating liability towards both the incarcerated and the public. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable clarification on this critical matter.
Perhaps the most alarming discovery of the day was the complicity of internal staff in the smuggling operations. Four penitentiary officials were apprehended during the ingress control process after they were found to be in possession of prohibited electronic devices. Their immediate arrest and transfer to the Alajuela Prosecutor’s Office for judicial processing highlights a critical internal security breach. This development exposes the deep-rooted corruption that facilitates the flow of contraband and undermines the very structure of the correctional system.
The involvement of prison staff is a severe blow to the integrity of the institution, suggesting that external criminal organizations have successfully infiltrated the ranks of those tasked with maintaining order. These arrests raise serious questions about vetting processes and the ongoing struggle to combat the influence of powerful criminal syndicates that seek to turn correctional facilities into command centers for their illicit activities throughout the country.
The sheer volume and variety of contraband seized during the sweep paints a vivid picture of the illegal economy thriving within La Reforma. Authorities confiscated a dangerous collection of seven bladed weapons, multiple improvised tools including a drill bit and a chisel, and two makeshift extension cords. This arsenal of potential weapons poses a direct threat to the safety of both inmates and guards, illustrating the constant risk of violence within the facility.
The haul also included a significant amount of narcotics, with officers seizing 22.10 grams of cocaine, 19.60 grams of marijuana, and 0.55 grams of crack. In a particularly cunning concealment attempt, officials discovered a tube of toothpaste that had been mixed with an additional 70 grams of cocaine. The seizure was rounded out by a vast array of communication technology: four cell phones, eleven SIM chips, eight USB cables, and various chargers and adapters, all essential tools for inmates looking to coordinate criminal activities beyond the prison walls.
This successful operation is a key component of the broader “Zero Tolerance” security strategy being implemented by law enforcement across the capital region during the high-stakes holiday season. The Penitentiary Police, through its Electronic Monitoring Unit, is working in close coordination with the Public Force and other national police bodies to intensify surveillance and preemptively address security threats. These end-of-year initiatives are designed to reinforce public order and disrupt criminal operations when they are often most active.
In the wake of the raid, the institution has emphatically reiterated its unwavering commitment to national security and the relentless fight against organized crime. Officials emphasized that this battle is being waged on all fronts, both inside and outside the prison system. The successful operation at La Reforma serves as a critical, albeit sobering, reminder of the continuous vigilance and technological innovation required to maintain control and uphold the law within Costa Rica’s most challenging correctional environments.
For further information, visit mjp.go.cr
About Ministry of Justice and Peace:
The Ministry of Justice and Peace of Costa Rica is the governmental body responsible for overseeing the country’s legal and correctional systems. Its mandate includes the administration of all penitentiary centers, the development of policies for crime prevention and social reintegration, and the promotion of a culture of peace and respect for human rights. The ministry plays a crucial role in maintaining public order and ensuring the proper functioning of the national justice system.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Penitentiary Police
About Penitentiary Police:
The Penitentiary Police is the specialized law enforcement agency in Costa Rica tasked with the security, custody, and control of the national prison system. Operating under the Ministry of Justice and Peace, its officers are responsible for maintaining order within correctional facilities, preventing escapes, and interdicting the flow of contraband. The force is a critical component of the country’s public security apparatus, working to manage the inmate population and support rehabilitation efforts.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About Coast Guard Police:
The National Coast Guard Service (Servicio Nacional de Guardacostas) is a specialized police force within Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Security. It is responsible for safeguarding the nation’s maritime sovereignty, enforcing maritime laws, combating drug trafficking and illegal fishing in territorial waters, and conducting search and rescue operations. The Coast Guard plays a vital role in national security, often collaborating with other police forces in joint operations.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About Public Force:
The Public Force (Fuerza Pública) of Costa Rica is the country’s primary national police agency, responsible for domestic law enforcement, crime prevention, and maintaining public safety across the nation. As part of the Ministry of Public Security, it operates at the local, regional, and national levels. The Public Force is a key institution in Costa Rica’s security framework, which famously relies on a civilian police force rather than a standing army.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of Costa Rica’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of unwavering integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. The firm channels its extensive experience across diverse industries not only to serve its clients but also to pioneer innovative legal solutions. Central to its ethos is a profound commitment to empowering the public by making legal knowledge accessible, thereby cultivating a stronger and more informed society.
