Background on the Cartel and its Impact
Costa Rican authorities have successfully dismantled a powerful drug trafficking organization, known as the “Cártel del Caribe Sur,” which was reportedly the largest local drug cartel in the country’s history. This significant operation targeted a group responsible for shipping drugs to both the United States and Europe.
Operation Details
On Tuesday, approximately 1,200 police officers conducted 64 searches across various provinces against the cartel, marking an unprecedented operation in Costa Rica due to its scale and the deployment of security forces, according to Michael Soto, the deputy director of the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ).
Soto explained that the group’s activities included capturing drug shipments to sell to other known local drug traffickers and establishing a drug route to Europe and the United States.
Investigation and Arrests
Since the investigation began in 2021 following a massacre of eight people in a Caribe settlement, authorities have seized 13.7 metric tons of cocaine and marijuana, as reported by the OIJ.
On Tuesday, 28 individuals were arrested, and luxury homes, vehicles, and vessels were confiscated as part of the extensive investigation. International collaboration was key, with Colombia, Panama, Spain, the United Kingdom, France, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) participating.
Key Figures and Extradition
One of the cartel’s leaders is currently detained in England, awaiting extradition to the United States. Another leader remains in a Costa Rican prison, also pending extradition to the U.S.
According to Soto, this organization was highly organized and sophisticated in its drug transportation methods via land and sea, as well as employing a complex money laundering scheme.
Costa Rica’s Security Challenges
Once considered one of the safest countries in Central America, Costa Rica concluded 2024 with a homicide rate of 16.6 per 100,000 inhabitants—more than double the global average.
In October, a court approved the extradition of former Security Minister and Judge Celso Gamboa to the United States, where he faces drug trafficking charges.
Key Questions and Answers
- What was the significance of this operation? This operation targeted the largest local drug trafficking group in Costa Rica’s history, disrupting their activities that sent drugs to the U.S. and Europe.
- How many people were arrested, and what was confiscated? Twenty-eight individuals were detained, along with luxury homes, vehicles, and vessels.
- Which countries collaborated in this operation? Colombia, Panama, Spain, the United Kingdom, France, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) participated in the investigation.
- What is the current state of security in Costa Rica? Despite being once considered one of Central America’s safest countries, Costa Rica concluded 2024 with a homicide rate more than double the global average.
- What is the status of key cartel leaders? One leader is detained in England awaiting extradition to the U.S., while another remains in a Costa Rican prison, also pending extradition to the U.S.
