No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsCrimeCosta Rican police arrest 2 US citizens linked to hydroponic marijuana operation

Costa Rican police arrest 2 US citizens linked to hydroponic marijuana operation

A man with the last name Whytworth and a woman with the last name Olszewski, both U.S. citizens, were arrested Saturday for allegedly running a hydroponic marijuana growing operation on a farm in Santa Cruz, in the northwestern province of Guanacaste.

National Police officers arrested Whytworth inside a greenhouse, where they found 45 marijuana plants up to 90 centimeters tall.

Officers found Olszewski inside a storehouse allegedly working on a hydroponic lab with 70 more plants of different sizes ranging from four to 70 centimeters tall.

“The storehouse was fully equipped with air conditioning, special lighting and ventilation systems designed for hydroponics,” the police report states.

During the raid cops also seized 15 kilograms of marijuana and one air rifle, the Public Security Ministry press office stated.

“[Public Security Ministry] officers had a warrant to search the entire property as part of an ongoing investigation that began several days ago,” ministry spokesman Sergio López said. “The suspects were taken into custody by Judicial Investigation Police agents from Santa Cruz.”

Trending Now

Costa Rica Route 1 Through Cambronero Closed Indefinitely After Truck Crash

One of Costa Rica’s main highways between the Central Valley and the Pacific remained completely closed today after a tractor-trailer crashed into a temporary...

Costa Rica’s president says US ground operations would benefit national security

President Laura Fernández said US ground operations on Costa Rican soil would be good for national security if they pursued shared targets, while stressing...

Tico Time and Why Life in Costa Rica Doesn’t Always Run on Schedule

I don't want to hear about Tico Time. Where did that expression even originate? It has been around for at least the 35 years...

Latin American Players Chase US Open Doubles Titles

Latin America’s singles challenge at the 2026 US Open has faded, but the region still has several legitimate shots at a Grand Slam title...

Costa Rica Begins Major Bridge Replacement on San José Beltway

Work has begun on a new bridge over the Torres River along Circunvalación, starting a yearlong project that will eventually expand this busy section...

Costa Rica Tourism Drivers Protest Possible Airport Access for Ride-Hailing Apps

Tourism transportation operators plan to demonstrate outside Casa Presidencial tomorrow over a possible change to legislation that could allow Uber-type ride-hailing services to operate...

Costa Rica Free Zones Lose Jobs for First Time in Seven Years

Employment in Costa Rica’s free-zone regime fell year over year in July for the first time in seven years, ending a long stretch of...

Costa Rica Expects Major Cruise Tourism Jump in Puntarenas

Costa Rica expects around 150,000 cruise passengers to arrive in Puntarenas during the 2026–2027 season, a sharp increase that could bring more business to...

Costa Rica’s Two Biggest Soccer Clubs Meet Saturday Night in Alajuela

Costa Rica's two most popular soccer clubs, Alajuelense and Saprissa, play each other Saturday night in Alajuela. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. at the...
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