No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeArchivePolice raids in Puntarenas lead to the arrest of 31 people on...

Police raids in Puntarenas lead to the arrest of 31 people on drug charges

A morning raid on Tuesday in the Pacific province of Puntarenas led to the arrest of 31 people suspected of having links to a drug trafficking gang.

The Judicial Investigation Police (OIJ), arrested 11 people, and the Drug Control Police nabbed 24 other suspects.

The raids began at 4 a.m. at various locations in Puntarenas, and officers had to restrain a mob of residents who threw stones and small improvised explosives that damaged a police car. No injuries were reported.

Police seized a BMW and crack cocaine valued at â‚¡12 million ($24,000), as well an undetermined amount of cash in the home of one of the alleged gang leaders, who owns a popular night club in the area.

Officers conducted 36 raids in total. The suspects were taken to the Puntarenas Prosecutor’s Office for booking, and they face various drug possession and trafficking charges.

Trending Now

Four Seasons Costa Rica Unveils New Papagayo Suites

Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo has unveiled 10 new one-bedroom suites as part of a larger renovation of the luxury resort on Costa Rica’s...

Ship Pays Record Amount to Cross Panama Canal Amid Drought Restrictions

A ship paid a record $5.3 million to cross the Panama Canal sooner, just days before a reduction in vessel traffic takes effect due...

Canada is now the fastest growing source of tourists to Costa Rica

More Canadians are flying to Costa Rica this year than at any point on record, and the gap between them and every other market...

Costa Rica Aims to Have Electric Train 80% Complete by 2030

The Costa Rican government expects the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) Electric Train project to be approximately 80% complete by the end of the Laura...

Can Tourism Really Push Out Drug Trafficking in Costa Rica’s South Pacific?

Local officials and business leaders in Costa Rica's South Pacific are betting on tourism to change the image and economic trajectory of communities long...

The Lifeguards Who Transformed Playa Dominical in Costa Rica

Playa Dominical has a well earned reputation as one of Costa Rica’s premier surfing spots. Its powerful and consistent beach break draws riders from...

Hearing in Costa Rica’s Biggest Fraud Case Keeps Failing to Start

Nearly seven years after the collapse of the brokerage Aldesa, the court proceeding that will determine whether 23 people stand trial has still not...

Costa Rica Scrapped the Three Month Driving Limit for Foreign Licenses

If you are driving in Costa Rica on a license from home, the rule you have probably read online is out of date. You...

Costa Rica Sees a Increase in Dengue and New Malaria Concerns

Costa Rica is fighting an uphill battle against two mosquito-borne diseases this year, with dengue cases climbing sharply and malaria showing signs of resurgence...
L. Arias
L. Arias
Reporter | The Tico Times |
🌴 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