Blow to drug trafficking: Costa Rican authorities dismantle cells linked to international cartels
In a series of strategic operations carried out this week, Costa Rican security forces managed to capture several individuals allegedly linked to high-profile criminal organizations, including the Sinaloa Cartel and the Tren de Aragua. These actions represent a significant advance in the fight against transnational organized crime in the region.
Links to the Sinaloa Cartel
The Drug Control Police (PCD) confirmed the arrest of five people in two consecutive operations. Among those arrested are three Costa Rican citizens, one Mexican, and one Peruvian. During the procedures, officers managed to seize three kilograms of cocaine, various firearms, and a considerable amount of cash.
This is important because another blow is being dealt to drug trafficking; in this case, we presume it involves a group linked to the Sinaloa Cartel.
Stephen Madden, Director of the PCD
Operation against the Tren de Aragua
Simultaneously, the Directorate of Intelligence and National Security (DIS), in a joint operation with the Special Intervention Unit (UEI) and the Public Force, captured a Panamanian citizen with a criminal record. The subject had been wanted by the justice system of his country for six years due to his alleged connection with criminal structures operating in the border area.
As detailed by Pablo Martínez, director of the DIS, the detainee maintained ties with local organizations identified as Los Pérez, Los Cañones, Los Cárcamos, and Los Galácticos, which have operational links to the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua.
- The Panamanian suspect has already been handed over to the judicial authorities of his country to answer for his crimes.
- Costa Rican authorities have chosen to keep the identities of all those involved in these operations confidential so as not to hinder the ongoing investigations.
With these arrests, Costa Rica reaffirms its commitment to dismantling criminal networks that attempt to use the national territory as a base of operations for drug trafficking and international criminal activities.
