Costa Rica seizes 256 kilos of cocaine and arrests eight people in Moín

Blow to drug trafficking: Criminal network dismantled at the port of Moín with police participation

In a decisive operation against international drug trafficking, the Drug Control Police (PCD) of Costa Rica managed to seize 256 packages of cocaine at the Moín Container Terminal, in the province of Limón. The police deployment culminated in the capture of eight individuals linked to this illicit activity.

The discovery occurred when agents surprised the suspects while they were transferring the illicit cargo from the cabin of a semi-truck to another point within the port facility. This operation is part of the ongoing efforts framed within Operation Sovereignty, a strategy that has allowed for the seizure of more than 23 tons of cocaine since 2023.

Arrest of a Public Force officer

One of the most alarming aspects of the case is the arrest of a Public Force officer, identified by the surname Picado. According to preliminary investigations, the officer allegedly facilitated the entry of the trailer transporting the drugs into the port. Given this fact, the Minister of Public Security, Gerald Campos, was firm regarding the authorities’ stance.

Any police officer we find who is on the side of the criminals, we are going to arrest them and present them to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Details of the suspects and the seized material

In addition to the officer, seven employees of a private logistics company were captured, identified as Díaz, Meza, Allet, Osorio, Cooper, Arrieta, and Correa. The authorities highlighted that several of them, such as Díaz, Meza, and Allet, had prior records for drug trafficking and other crimes, while the remaining four had no criminal history.

• Drug: 256 packages of cocaine.
• Cash: 613,000 colones (approximately 1,362 dollars).
• Weaponry: Two firearms, three magazines, and 42 rounds of ammunition of various calibers.
• Vehicle: A truck used for transporting the cargo.

The eight detainees were placed at the disposal of the Limón Prosecutor’s Office, where the corresponding precautionary measures will be determined. This procedure represents the fourth significant blow to drug trafficking in less than a week, reaffirming the commitment of security forces to dismantle the structures operating in the country’s port terminals.