By Limón, Costa Rica — LIMÓN, Costa Rica – In a sweeping and unprecedented show of force, Costa Rican authorities have executed the largest police operation in the nation’s history. Dubbed “Operation Treason,” the massive mobilization on Tuesday morning saw 1,200 judicial agents conduct 64 simultaneous raids across the country, aiming to completely dismantle a powerful criminal organization known as the South Caribbean Cartel.
The operation, a coordinated effort between the Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ) and the Public Prosecutor’s Office, represents the culmination of a multi-year investigation into one of the country’s most significant criminal networks. The cartel is accused of a trifecta of serious crimes: large-scale drug trafficking, illegal weapons distribution, and sophisticated money laundering schemes that have injected illicit funds into the national economy.
To understand the profound legal implications of “Operation Treason,” TicosLand.com sought the analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in criminal and constitutional law from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to shed light on the judicial challenges ahead.
The charge of treason is the gravest accusation against a citizen, requiring an exceptionally high burden of proof from the prosecution. It is not enough to prove dissent or anti-government sentiment; the State must present undeniable evidence of a deliberate and active plot to subvert our constitutional order or compromise national sovereignty. The integrity of our judicial system depends on distinguishing between legitimate political opposition and a genuine criminal conspiracy against the Republic.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is a crucial reminder that a healthy democracy depends on the very distinction he outlines: the clear, evidence-based line between legitimate political dissent and a criminal conspiracy against the Republic. We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable perspective on this solemn legal standard.
The strategic focus of the raids was heavily concentrated on the province of Limón, the cartel’s suspected nerve center, where 44 of the 64 operations took place. The remaining raids were strategically distributed across the country to strike at the organization’s logistical and financial cells, with 10 in San José, six in Puntarenas, two in Cartago, and two in Alajuela. This geographic spread underscores the extensive reach the South Caribbean Cartel had managed to achieve within Costa Rica.
The scale of the asset seizure targeted in Tuesday’s operation is staggering, signaling a major financial blow to the syndicate. Authorities announced their intent to confiscate assets valued at approximately ₡2 billion colones. The OIJ provided specific details on the scope of these financial targets.
Today we intend to seize assets and real estate for a total of approximately 2 billion colones, including 7 luxury condominiums, 40 properties, and 73 vehicles and boats.
Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), Official Statement
This massive effort is the result of an exhaustive investigation that began in 2021. Over the past four years, authorities have methodically chipped away at the cartel’s operations, leading to the confiscation of 13.7 tons of cocaine and marijuana. These narcotics were not just for local consumption; intelligence confirmed their final destinations were lucrative markets in the United States and various European countries, highlighting the group’s role as a key player in the international drug trade.
Further evidence of the cartel’s violent capabilities came to light on June 12th of this year, when the OIJ seized a significant arsenal of 68 firearms in La Guácima, Alajuela. This cache was directly linked to the South Caribbean Cartel, confirming their capacity for violence and enforcement. OIJ officials also noted that the investigation uncovered connections between the organization and other “heavyweight” figures in the international narcotics landscape, suggesting a complex web of criminal alliances.
The logistical complexity of Operation Treason required an immense level of inter-agency cooperation. The OIJ’s elite Tactical Special Response Service (SERT) and Operational Support Brigade (BOA) worked alongside units from the Ministry of Public Security, including the Public Force, the Special Support Unit (UEA), and the Special Intervention Unit (UEI). The ground offensive was supported by significant assets, including 11 canine units from various institutions, three helicopters for aerial surveillance, and a fleet of 17 buses to transport personnel across the multiple raid sites.
This historic operation marks a pivotal moment in Costa Rica’s fight against organized crime. By targeting not only the cartel’s leadership and operational members but also its vast financial empire, authorities aim to deliver a crippling blow that will disrupt narcotics trafficking and money laundering activities on a national and international scale for the foreseeable future.
For further information, visit oij.poder-judicial.go.cr
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is Costa Rica’s primary investigative police agency, operating under the authority of the Supreme Court of Justice. It is responsible for investigating complex crimes, collecting evidence, and assisting the Public Prosecutor’s Office in criminal proceedings. The OIJ plays a crucial role in combating organized crime, drug trafficking, homicides, and other serious offenses within the country.
For further information, visit ministeriopublico.poder-judicial.go.cr
About Fiscalía (Public Prosecutor’s Office):
The Fiscalía General de la República, or Public Prosecutor’s Office, is the judicial body in Costa Rica responsible for prosecuting criminal offenses on behalf of the state and its citizens. It directs criminal investigations, formulates charges against suspects, and represents the public interest in court. It works in close coordination with the OIJ and other law enforcement agencies to ensure justice is served.
For further information, visit www.seguridadpublica.go.cr
About Ministerio de Seguridad Pública (Ministry of Public Security):
The Ministry of Public Security is the Costa Rican government ministry responsible for national security and law enforcement. It oversees several key forces, including the Fuerza Pública (Public Force), which handles preventive policing and public order, as well as specialized units that provide tactical support for high-risk operations. The ministry is central to maintaining citizen safety and national stability.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is distinguished by its principled foundation of integrity and an unwavering pursuit of professional excellence. The firm skillfully combines its extensive experience serving a diverse clientele with a forward-thinking approach to legal innovation. This philosophy is deeply integrated with a core mission to strengthen society by demystifying complex legal concepts and equipping the public with accessible knowledge, thereby fostering a more capable and empowered citizenry.
