‘Megaoperativo’ catches duo who robbed tourists at Playa Hermosa

Two individuals suspected of robbing tourists at Playa Hermosa de Uvita, Puntarenas, were arrested Saturday as part of a “megaoperativo” conducted by Costa Rican police.

According to a press release issued by the Public Security Ministry (MSP), two tourists — a Canadian and a Costa Rican — reported that they had been approached and threatened with a machete while walking on a secluded area of the beach.

The tourists were robbed of a cell phone and other items.

But thanks to the “megaoperativo” — a relatively new strategy during which all Costa Rican police are mobilized to high-profile, high-crime areas — the two suspects were soon apprehended.

MSP has credited the “megaoperativo” for helping to reduce Costa Rica’s homicide rate in 2018.

Costa Rican police apprehended men suspected of robbing a pair of tourists. Photo courtesy MSP.

President Carlos Alvarado tweeted Sunday evening about the successful “megaoperativo,” writing that “intense work has generated positive results as we work toward a safer Costa Rica.”

.@seguridadcrc desarrolló un megaoperativo este fin de semana en terminales de autobuses, aeropuertos, hoteles y carreteras. Tras un intenso trabajo se generaron resultados positivos, estamos trabajando por una Costa Rica más segura.https://t.co/1eNwrncCBF

— Carlos Alvarado Quesada (@CarlosAlvQ) January 13, 2019

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