No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeTopicsCrimeCosta Rica Fentanyl Bust: Drug Control Police Seize Thousands of Pills

Costa Rica Fentanyl Bust: Drug Control Police Seize Thousands of Pills

The Drug Control Police (PCD) have dismantled a fentanyl distribution operation in the Tierra Dominicana sector of downtown San José, seizing over 34,000 fentanyl pills weighing 19,686 grams. The operation, conducted in coordination with the Drug Trafficking Prosecutor’s Office, the Special Support Unit (UEA), the Directorate of Intelligence and Criminal Analysis (DIAC), and the San José Municipal Police, was initiated following alerts from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The pills were discovered in a store disguised as a grocery shop, which also sold shoes and clothing. According to Stephen Madden, director of the PCD, the pills were found in various forms, including tied transparent plastic bags containing pills of different colors and shapes.

“Within the scope of the investigation, we theorize that the pills originate from European countries,” Madden stated. “Additionally, synthetic drugs such as methamphetamines are entering the country from Mexico, through the northern Costa Rican border.” This bust marks the second apprehension of a fentanyl distribution group in Costa Rica. In 2023, authorities dismantled a similar operation that distributed the drug in bars.

Arrests and Charges

Two individuals, a Costa Rican and a naturalized Costa Rican of Dominican origin, were arrested during the operation. They face charges for drug possession and trafficking and are currently awaiting a precautionary measures hearing.

Fentanyl’s Growing Threat

The rise of fentanyl has sparked global concern due to its high potency and addictive nature. “Fentanyl is an extremely potent synthetic drug, which haunts adolescence and youth,” Madden warned. “The designs of this drug are very appealing to young people. “The investigation revealed that fentanyl pills are typically priced at $12, but have also been sold for as low as $8.

This operation highlights the ongoing efforts of Costa Rican authorities to combat the illegal drug trade and protect the public from the dangers of fentanyl. The PCD’s success in dismantling this distribution network serves as a significant step in safeguarding the community.

Trending Now

Panama Union Files Lawsuits Against Chiquita Over Mass Layoffs

Panama’s President, José Raúl Mulino, will meet in Brazil with U.S. banana company Chiquita Brands in search of an agreement for the company to...

The Most Clueless Gringo in Costa Rica: A Satirical Take on Expat Life

If part of your online day includes mindless scrolling through reels, you’ve probably seen the Dos Equis beer parody commercials. The original ads featured the...

Costa Rica Replaces One-Lane Bridges as Traffic and Population Grow

As the infrastructure of Costa Rica advances, with new four-lane highways and a series of bypasses around San José that avoid the narrow, congested...

Costa Rica National Parks to Measure Tourism Impact

Costa Rica will now be able to measure the impact of tourism in its national parks, thanks to innovative environmental technology from The NeverRest...

Costa Rica’s Role in US Deportation Drama with Salvadoran Migrant

A Salvadoran man at the center of a heated US immigration battle could end up in Costa Rica if he accepts a guilty plea,...

Earthquake Shakes Costa Rica’s Central Valley

An earthquake shook Costa Rica early Friday morning. The tremor occurred at 12:45 a.m. with a magnitude of 4.4. Its epicenter was located 1...
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