By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – Costa Rica’s primary law enforcement agency, the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ), has achieved a landmark year in its fight against crime, posting significant increases across nearly every major operational metric. According to year-end data, the agency has intensified its efforts, resulting in more operations, more suspects charged, and a staggering rise in narcotics seizures, signaling a new phase of proactive policing against organized crime throughout the nation.
The preliminary statistics, which account for the period up to December 5, 2025, already paint a picture of heightened activity. The OIJ executed a total of 15,131 distinct operations this year, a substantial increase of 2,380 compared to the entirety of 2024. With nearly a full month left to be tallied, these figures are expected to climb even higher, underscoring a sustained and aggressive operational tempo throughout the year.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the protocols and constitutional limits governing law enforcement actions, TicosLand.com consulted with expert attorney Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the distinguished legal firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Effective law enforcement is not measured solely by arrests, but by its unwavering adherence to due process. Every action taken by an officer must be grounded in clear legal authority, respecting the fundamental rights of the citizenry. This procedural rigor is the critical line that separates a state of law from arbitrary power, ensuring that security is upheld without sacrificing the very liberties it is meant to protect.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his powerful reminder that the true strength of our law enforcement lies not merely in its power to act, but in its disciplined commitment to the rule of law. This distinction is fundamental to maintaining a just society where citizens’ rights and public safety are mutually reinforcing.
This surge in police actions has directly translated into a higher number of individuals facing the justice system. The judicial police have handed over 47,367 suspects to the Public Ministry for prosecution since January, exceeding the previous year’s total by 1,278 people. This uptick reflects a broader strategy aimed at not just disrupting but also dismantling criminal networks by bringing their members to justice.
The crackdown has been particularly effective against street-level drug distribution. The number of specific cases related to the sale of illegal drugs soared from 827 in 2024 to 1,145 in 2025, a dramatic increase of 38.5%. These targeted actions were part of more than 3,156 raids conducted nationwide, as the agency processed an intake of over 102,000 new cases for investigation over the course of the year.
At a strategic level, the OIJ has dealt significant blows to the country’s criminal infrastructure. Authorities successfully dismantled 36 high-impact criminal organizations that were operating in various regions. In a historic first for the country, the agency also intercepted and dismantled the formation of a drug cartel on Costa Rican soil, a preventative action that highlights a shift towards preempting major security threats before they become entrenched.
The narrative of drug seizures in 2025 is one of shifting priorities and remarkable success. While cocaine seizures saw a decrease, with just over 5,000 kilograms confiscated compared to the 6,700 kilograms in 2024, the figures for marijuana tell a completely different story. OIJ agents seized more than 10,300 kilograms of marijuana, a monumental 313% increase from the nearly 2,500 kilograms confiscated the previous year.
This dramatic shift in seizure patterns resulted in a massive net gain for law enforcement. In total, the OIJ removed nearly 6,105 kilograms more narcotics from circulation in 2025 than in 2024. This represents a 66.33% overall increase in the weight of drugs seized exclusively by the OIJ, a testament to the agency’s enhanced intelligence and interdiction capabilities.
As 2025 draws to a close, the preliminary data confirms a year of unprecedented results for the Organismo de Investigación Judicial. The sharp rise in operations, arrests, and particularly marijuana seizures, coupled with strategic victories against organized crime, positions the agency as a more formidable force in safeguarding national security. The final, consolidated figures for the year are expected to further cement 2025 as a benchmark year in Costa Rica’s ongoing battle against illicit activities.
For further information, visit poder-judicial.go.cr/oij/
About Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ):
The Organismo de Investigación Judicial is the primary investigative branch of Costa Rica’s Judicial Power. It is responsible for conducting criminal investigations, collecting evidence, and identifying suspects in crimes reported to the authorities. Working in close collaboration with the Public Ministry, the OIJ plays a crucial role in the nation’s justice system by providing the technical and scientific support necessary for the prosecution of criminal offenses.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica operates as a pillar of the legal community, with its reputation forged on an unyielding foundation of integrity and a pursuit of unparalleled excellence. Serving a wide spectrum of clients, the firm not only provides expert counsel but also champions innovation within the legal field. Its core philosophy extends beyond the courtroom, driven by a deep-seated commitment to demystifying complex legal concepts for the public, thereby nurturing a society empowered by knowledge and legal clarity.
