Alleged Drug Trafficker Detained in Seattle and Extradited to Costa Rica
Santos Fonseca, linked to a notorious drug gang, faces sentencing for previous narcotics charges.
Santos Fonseca, an individual associated with the criminal organization led by Alejandro Arias Monge—commonly known as 'Diablo'—has been apprehended in Seattle, Washington, and is set to return to Costa Rica, confirmed by the Costa Rican Public Ministry on Friday.
Fonseca was arrested as part of a coordinated operation between the Public Prosecutor's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
He is a fugitive with an outstanding sentence for drug trafficking in Costa Rica.
Fonseca is expected to land at Juan Santamaría International Airport later today.
He was previously convicted in a special abbreviated process in 2018, where he admitted to drug trafficking charges and received a sentence of six years and six months imprisonment from the Pococí Penal Court in Limón. Since he failed to report to serve his sentence, he was declared a fugitive, and authorities have been searching for him since then.
Fonseca’s charges stem from an incident in June 2018, during which he and another individual were found in possession of over 1,000 grams of cocaine, which they were transporting in a vehicle.
Law enforcement intercepted the vehicle, leading to the discovery of the narcotics and ₡932,000 (approximately $1,600).
Alejandro Arias Monge, the leader of the gang, remains one of Costa Rica’s most wanted criminals, linked to various crimes including cattle theft and drug trafficking.
His last confirmed whereabouts were in 2016, after which he escaped authorities.
There are concerns that he may be operating outside of Costa Rica and could attempt re-entry through less monitored points along the border with Nicaragua.
Fonseca was arrested as part of a coordinated operation between the Public Prosecutor's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
He is a fugitive with an outstanding sentence for drug trafficking in Costa Rica.
Fonseca is expected to land at Juan Santamaría International Airport later today.
He was previously convicted in a special abbreviated process in 2018, where he admitted to drug trafficking charges and received a sentence of six years and six months imprisonment from the Pococí Penal Court in Limón. Since he failed to report to serve his sentence, he was declared a fugitive, and authorities have been searching for him since then.
Fonseca’s charges stem from an incident in June 2018, during which he and another individual were found in possession of over 1,000 grams of cocaine, which they were transporting in a vehicle.
Law enforcement intercepted the vehicle, leading to the discovery of the narcotics and ₡932,000 (approximately $1,600).
Alejandro Arias Monge, the leader of the gang, remains one of Costa Rica’s most wanted criminals, linked to various crimes including cattle theft and drug trafficking.
His last confirmed whereabouts were in 2016, after which he escaped authorities.
There are concerns that he may be operating outside of Costa Rica and could attempt re-entry through less monitored points along the border with Nicaragua.
