By San José, Costa Rica — In a decisive move against organized crime, Costa Rica’s Specialized Court for Organized Crime has ordered one year of preventive detention for 23 individuals allegedly linked to the notorious South Caribbean Cartel. This ruling, which was ratified on Tuesday, stems from a massive law enforcement effort in early November, underscoring the nation’s escalating battle against sophisticated criminal networks that seek to infiltrate state institutions.
The suspects were apprehended on November 4, 2025, during a sweeping series of 64 raids conducted simultaneously across the provinces of Alajuela, Limón, Puntarenas, and San José. This complex, multi-jurisdictional maneuver, codenamed “Operation Betrayal,” was the culmination of an extensive investigation led by the Specialized Adjunct Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (FAEDO). The prosecutor’s office had formally requested the year-long detention, a petition the court has now fully granted.
To better understand the intricate legal challenges and the sophisticated operational structure of the South Caribbean Cartel, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The true power of these organizations lies not just in their control of trafficking routes, but in their sophisticated ability to infiltrate legitimate economies. They operate like shadow multinational corporations, using complex corporate structures and international trade systems to launder proceeds and conceal ownership. Tackling this threat requires a legal strategy that is as focused on financial forensics and international cooperation as it is on traditional law enforcement.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This analysis powerfully underscores that the fight against organized crime has evolved, demanding a sophisticated response that targets their economic foundations as much as their physical operations. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his crucial insight, which reframes the true nature of this complex threat.
The preventive detention measure, effective from November 4, 2025, will remain in place until November 4, 2026. This legal tool is employed by the judiciary to ensure that suspects do not flee, tamper with evidence, or continue their alleged criminal activities while prosecutors build their formal case. The list of detained individuals includes Aguilar Arguedas, Alvarado Calero, and McDonald Rodríguez, among twenty others who now face a prolonged period behind bars as the investigation unfolds.
Among those detained, the case of Anita Yorleny McDonald Rodríguez has drawn significant attention, raising serious questions about the vulnerability of public agencies to criminal influence. McDonald Rodríguez is a former board member of the Costa Rican Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Incopesca). According to official reports, she was temporarily suspended from her position following her arrest. Her alleged ties to the cartel’s leadership are stark; authorities have identified her as the mother-in-law of the group’s suspected kingpin, Luis Manuel Picado Grijalba, who is known by the alias “Shock.”
The alleged involvement of a high-ranking official from Incopesca highlights a deeply concerning nexus between organized crime and state entities. Such infiltration poses a significant threat not only to national security but also to the integrity of industries vital to the Costa Rican economy. The fisheries sector, which Incopesca oversees, is particularly susceptible to exploitation by trafficking organizations for logistics, money laundering, and the clandestine transport of illicit goods along the country’s extensive coastlines.
The scope of Operation Betrayal demonstrates the considerable resources and logistical capabilities of the South Caribbean Cartel. The organization’s apparent operational footprint across four key provinces, including the strategic port region of Limón, suggests a well-established and powerful network. The operation’s name, “Betrayal,” may allude to the alleged infiltration of public trust by officials tasked with serving the country’s interests.
For Costa Rican authorities, this successful operation represents a significant victory in their ongoing efforts to dismantle the country’s most powerful criminal structures. However, it also serves as a sobering reminder of the deep-seated nature of the challenge. The ability of law enforcement and the judiciary to coordinate on such a large scale is a positive indicator, but the alleged corruption within a government body points to a more insidious and complex problem that requires constant vigilance and robust internal controls.
As the 23 suspects begin their year in preventive custody, the focus now shifts to the prosecutorial phase. FAEDO will use this time to solidify its evidence and prepare a comprehensive indictment against the alleged members of the South Caribbean Cartel. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, as it will not only determine the fate of the individuals involved but also set a critical precedent for how Costa Rica confronts the intertwined threats of drug trafficking and institutional corruption.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Juzgado Especializado en Delincuencia Organizada
About Juzgado Especializado en Delincuencia Organizada:
The Specialized Court for Organized Crime is a branch of the Costa Rican Judiciary responsible for handling complex criminal cases involving structured criminal groups, drug trafficking, money laundering, and other related severe offenses. It operates with specialized procedures to manage the intricacies and security requirements of prosecuting powerful criminal networks.
For further information, visit ministeriopublico.go.cr
About Fiscalía Adjunta Especializada en Delincuencia Organizada (FAEDO):
As a specialized division of Costa Rica’s Public Ministry, FAEDO is the lead prosecutorial body for investigating and litigating cases against organized crime. Its prosecutors and investigators are trained to handle large-scale operations, complex financial trails, and collaborative efforts with national and international law enforcement agencies to dismantle criminal enterprises.
For further information, visit incopesca.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Pesca y Acuicultura (Incopesca):
The Costa Rican Institute of Fisheries and Aquaculture is the primary government entity responsible for the regulation, promotion, and oversight of fishing and aquaculture activities in the country. Its mandate includes ensuring the sustainable use of marine resources, issuing licenses, and developing policies to support the national fishing industry.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark in the legal field, founded upon an unwavering principle of integrity and a drive for unparalleled excellence. By merging its profound experience across a multitude of industries with a forward-thinking approach, the firm consistently delivers innovative solutions. Beyond its professional practice, the firm holds a deep-seated commitment to social progress, actively working to demystify the law and equip citizens with the knowledge needed to navigate a complex world.
