No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta RicaFirst big drug busts of 2020 nab nearly one metric ton of...

First big drug busts of 2020 nab nearly one metric ton of cocaine off Costa Rican shores

Costa Rica’s first big drug busts of the new year nabbed a pair of marine vessels off the country’s shores.

On Jan. 2, a coordinated effort between the Coast Guard and Public Security Ministry located a crew-less sportfishing boat in Golfo Dulce. Authorities seized 686 packets of cocaine, each weighing approximately one kilo, and arrested a man onshore surnamed Concepción.

Later that night, following a tip from a United States air surveillance aircraft, the Costa Rican Coast Guard intercepted a semisubmersible ship approximately 63 nautical miles from Quepos, Puntarenas, authorities said. The vessel was being operated by three Ecuadorians and, according to Costa Rica’s Public Security Ministry, was also being pursued by a U.S.-operated P-3 Orion airplane.

Several packages suspected of containing drugs were found on board, and the three men were detained and brought to the Coast Guard station in Quepos. A later search of the semi-submersible located approximately 300 kilos of cocaine.

Much of the drug that arrives in the United States and Europe leaves the producing countries of South America and transits through Central America, including Costa Rica.

Trending Now

Costa Rica’s New Extradition Law Faces Limits in Tackling Organized Crime

Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly passed a constitutional amendment in May, allowing the extradition of nationals for international drug trafficking and terrorism. With 44 of...

UN Ocean Summit Ends with Progress but No Clear Funding

The UN Ocean Summit concluded in Nice with advances in protecting the high seas—but without any clear financial commitments. After bringing together around 60...

Costa Rica Minister Faces Accusations Over Gandoca-Manzanillo Development

Costa Rica’s reputation as an environmental leader is under scrutiny. A formal complaint filed by environmental lawyer Marco Levy has called for a criminal...

Costa Rica Continues Investigation into Miller Gardner’s Death

Costa Rican authorities are still investigating the tragic death of Miller Gardner, the 14-year-old son of former New York Yankees outfielder Brett Gardner, nearly...

Costa Rica Faces Slower Growth and Rising Exchange Rate Pressures

Costa Rica is bracing for a challenging economic landscape through 2025 and into 2026, marked by slower growth, exchange rate pressures, and mounting uncertainties,...

Gold Cup 2025: Costa Rica, Mexico and Canada Aim for Glory

While other CONCACAF teams have their sights set on the 2026 World Cup, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Canada are raising the stakes by targeting...
spot_img
Costa Rica Tours
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica