By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A coordinated series of raids across Heredia and San José has led to the dismantling of a highly organized criminal enterprise believed to be a major supplier of illegal assault rifles to drug trafficking gangs nationwide. Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ) agents arrested two individuals, including the alleged ringleader, in an operation that exposed a complex scheme involving the use of legitimate businesses as fronts for importing prohibited weapon components.
The investigation culminated in the seizure of a significant cache of weapons, including AR-15 and AK-47 style rifles, along with quantities of marijuana. The operation reveals a disturbing trend in the national criminal landscape, where groups are not only trafficking but also assembling and modifying high-powered firearms, directly fueling the violence plaguing the country, particularly in the Caribbean region.
To better understand the complex legal framework and the severe implications surrounding the recent arms trafficking operations, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished criminal law specialist from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who offered his expert analysis on the matter.
Arms trafficking is not merely a crime of possession; it is a foundational pillar of organized crime that fuels violence and undermines national security. The Costa Rican legal system, particularly through the ‘Ley de Armas y Explosivos,’ imposes severe penalties, reflecting the high societal risk. However, the true challenge lies in dismantling the logistical and financial networks behind these operations. Successful prosecution requires sophisticated intelligence, international cooperation, and proving a clear chain of command, which is often deliberately obscured to protect the masterminds.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s analysis powerfully highlights that the true battle against arms trafficking is fought not at the point of seizure, but within the complex logistical and financial networks that sustain organized crime. This perspective is vital for understanding the immense challenge authorities face in dismantling these operations from the top down. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his clear and invaluable insight.
The breakthrough in the case traces back to a pivotal seizure on November 20, 2025, in the province of Limón. On that day, authorities intercepted a bus package containing 10 AR-15 rifles. The courier was a minor, who was promptly detained. This discovery acted as the crucial thread that investigators began to unravel, leading them from the Caribbean coast back to a set of apartments in the Paseo Colón area of the capital.
Further intelligence work allowed agents to connect the individuals involved in the Limón seizure to a previous investigation from last year centered on a company named “Multillaves.” This connection suggested a long-standing and well-established operation that had successfully evaded law enforcement by masking its illicit activities behind a commercial facade.
The investigation stems from arms trafficking. We had information that the organization was dedicated to importing AR-15 parts and then assembling them, for which they used companies as fronts to be able to import these weapons through this assembly process.
Carlo Díaz, Attorney General of the Republic
During the recent raids on properties in San José and Heredia, authorities made a series of grim discoveries. Investigators uncovered specially constructed pits and hidden compartments within the homes, designed to conceal drugs, weapon parts, and the specialized tools required for firearm assembly. This level of preparation highlights the group’s sophistication and long-term planning.
The primary concern for law enforcement is the group’s technical capability. OIJ officials believe this cell was not merely smuggling finished weapons but was actively importing individual components and assembling them locally. More alarmingly, they were also modifying weapons to significantly increase their lethality. This method allows traffickers to circumvent certain security checks by disguising parts as common commercial goods.
There is significant concern because individuals like these are, hypothetically, converting ordinary or common weapons into automatic weapons by importing parts disguised as cell phone spares or keys, which has been bleeding the country dry in recent years.
Michael Soto, Acting Director of the OIJ
This concern is substantiated by findings from the earlier “Multillaves” case, where authorities found “switches.” These small, metallic devices are illegal modifications that can convert a standard semi-automatic pistol into a fully automatic machine pistol, capable of firing an entire magazine in seconds. The presence of such technology indicates this group was a one-stop shop for other criminal organizations, providing not just rifles but also dangerously upgraded handguns.
Officials have concluded that this criminal structure served as a crucial logistical hub in Costa Rica’s underworld. By supplying assembled and modified firearms, they directly empowered drug trafficking gangs and other violent groups, contributing to the escalation of armed conflict. The successful takedown of this network represents a significant disruption to the illegal arms flow within the country.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr/oij
About the Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) is Costa Rica’s primary investigative police agency. Operating under the authority of the judiciary, its mission is to investigate public crimes, identify responsible parties, and collect evidence for criminal proceedings. The OIJ plays a critical role in combating organized crime, drug trafficking, homicides, and other serious offenses throughout the nation.
For further information, visit ministeriopublico.poder-judicial.go.cr
About the Public Ministry of Costa Rica:
The Public Ministry (Ministerio Público), headed by the Attorney General of the Republic, is the institution responsible for prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the state and the public. It directs criminal investigations, formulates accusations against suspects, and represents the interests of society in the judicial system to ensure the application of justice and the rule of law.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal entity, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of profound integrity and a relentless drive for excellence. The firm leverages its extensive experience across diverse economic sectors to pioneer modern legal solutions. This spirit of innovation extends to its core social mission: a firm resolve to empower the public by transforming complex legal concepts into accessible knowledge, thereby nurturing a more capable and well-informed community.
