No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsCrime30 Raids in Major Costa Rican Crackdown

30 Raids in Major Costa Rican Crackdown

In a sweeping crackdown, the Judicial Investigation Organism (OIJ) has executed 30 raids since Monday morning, targeting a group under investigation for suspected money laundering and drug trafficking.

The operations spanned various locations, including Cartago, Alajuela, Desamparados, and La Garita. The objective was to apprehend approximately 18 individuals, including Colombian nationals and Costa Ricans, revealed Michael Soto, Deputy Director of the judicial police. As of 8:35 a.m., 15 people had been confirmed detained.

The OIJ attributes drug trafficking activities to this group, asserting that they orchestrated the transportation of cocaine and marijuana via speedboats from Colombia to Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast and subsequently to San Jose.

A press release from authorities disclosed that the distributed marijuana remained within the country, while the cocaine was dispatched to North American and European destinations.

Linked to two homicides, the group reportedly targeted a formal worker who filed a labor complaint and a security employee accused of stealing items, provoking the ire of one of the organization’s leaders.

Deputy Director Michael Soto emphasized the significance of dealing a blow to this criminal organization, stating that the investigation, described as “arduous and tenacious,” commenced in 2021.

According to OIJ findings, the organization allegedly used proceeds from drug trafficking to launder money through legitimate businesses. Soto identified a supermarket chain called Plaza (now defunct), as well as a gas station and lubricant center in Santo Domingo de Heredia.

Soto did not rule out the possibility of other businesses being linked to the group, indicating that investigations are ongoing. The organization employed front men to conceal the movement of funds and integrate them into the national banking system.

The comprehensive investigation is led by OIJ agents specializing in Homicide and Money Laundering.

Trending Now

FBI Recordings Reveal Costa Rica Ex-Minister Celso Gamboa’s Drug Ties

Costa Rican authorities continue to hold former security minister Celso Gamboa in custody as U.S. officials push for his extradition on drug charges. Recent...

Outrage in Costa Rica After Man Suspected of Killing 14 Dogs Is Released

A man identified by the surnames Ulloa Bustos, suspected of killing at least 14 dogs in the rural town of Pocora, was released after...

Honduras agrees to receive migrants under new US deportation agreement

The US has signed a new deportation agreement with Honduras, allowing officials to send migrants from other countries there instead of keeping them in...

Honduras Community Demands Justice in Environmental Murder Case

Three defendants accused of murdering an environmental activist in Honduras 11 months ago appeared before a court this Thursday for a preliminary hearing, the...

San Jose Airport Achieves Top 5 Global Ranking in Passenger Experience

Juan Santamaría International Airport in San Jose, Costa Rica's main gateway managed by AERIS, has earned the prestigious Level 5 Customer Experience certification from...

Costa Rica Marks National Parks Day with Free Entry This Sunday

As everyone knows by now, our country stands out for its strong focus on protecting the environment. It leads in conservation efforts, manages its...
spot_img
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