Police Seize Synthetic Cocaine For First Time in Costa Rica

In what turned out to be more than just another drug bust, police seized synthetic cocaine for the first time in Costa Rica during an operation July 6, according to a statement from the Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ).

Eight were arrested in raids of homes around San Ramón, northwest of San José, nd police seized cocaine, crack and a synthetic cocaine known here as “cheese,” which is sold in white chunks and has a base of cocaine with additives including amphetamines and barbiturates. Police believe the drug was brought here from Panama and are analyzing it to determine its exact ingredients and find out how addictive it is, the statement said.

Cash, vehicles, guns and appliances police believe could have been purchased with drug money were also seized during the raids.