No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeArchiveInterpol announces results of major sweep of illicit drug labs in the...

Interpol announces results of major sweep of illicit drug labs in the region

LYON, France – A total of 200 kilograms of methamphetamine, cocaine and LSD were seized in four clandestine laboratories during a major operation conducted by Interpol in Latin America and the Caribbean, the police agency based in Lyon, France, said on Tuesday.

The operation, dubbed “Icebreaker,” was conducted in conjunction with the World Customs Organization and the International Narcotics Control Board. It took place in late 2012 in 11 countries: Belize, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama.

During the operation, 25 people were arrested and more than 360 tons of chemicals used to manufacture drugs were found. Police also seized nearly $2 million in cash. It was coordinated by the Interpol regional office in San Salvador, Interpol said in a press release.

“The results send a clear message to criminal networks that support this illegal business. … We will identify those responsible, and we will bring them to justice,” said Bernd Rossbach, director of the Interpol unit targeting organized crime.

Trending Now

Dollar Drops Again as Costa Rica Gets More Expensive for Expats and Tourists

The U.S. dollar has slipped below ₡450 again in Costa Rica, continuing a trend that has steadily reduced the spending power of foreign residents...

Heavy Rains Put Costa Rica’s Banana Farms Under Growing Pressure

Heavy rain, flooded fields and the spread of a damaging plant disease are putting growing pressure on Costa Rica’s banana farms, particularly in the...

Costa Rica under green alert as Tropical Wave 40 arrives

If you have plans in the mountains, on the Caribbean coast or along the Pacific this weekend, build in some flexibility. Rain is coming,...

Costa Rica’s Whale and Dolphin Festival Returns This Weekend

If you have been waiting for the right weekend to see humpback whales in Costa Rica, this is it. The 16th Whale and Dolphin...

Costa Rica Court Orders Protection Plan for Playa Blanca After 32-Year Delay

Costa Rica’s Constitutional Court has ordered environmental authorities to create a long-delayed management plan for the protected marine wetland at Playa Blanca, adding a...

US Calls on Allies to Cut Off Nicaragua After Ortega Bars Opposition Parties

The United States asked its international partners to immediately end normal dealings with Nicaragua's government, hours after the Ortega-Murillo administration formalized a constitutional rewrite...

Costa Rica Heads Into Peak Hurricane Season Without a Single Hurricane

The Atlantic has reached the second week of September without a single hurricane. That has not happened in a very long time, and forecasters...

US Demands Nicaragua Release Brooklyn Rivera’s Relatives

The United States on Monday demanded that Nicaragua’s government release relatives of Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera, who died in prison three months ago. Rivera,...

Costa Rica Targets Wildlife Trafficking With New Tourist Campaign

Costa Rica has started a new campaign warning travelers not to remove wildlife, plants or other natural specimens after officials confiscated 4,366 animal and...
Avatar
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel