Costa Rica Intercepts 1.2 Tons of Cocaine in Major Drug Operation
Three Nicaraguan nationals arrested in a coordinated effort between Costa Rican authorities and U.S. assistance.
Costa Rican police reported the seizure of 1.2 metric tons of cocaine during an operation carried out in the Pacific Ocean, leading to the arrest of three Nicaraguan nationals.
The interception took place approximately 64 kilometers off Cabo Matapalo, an area commonly exploited by drug traffickers for the transit of narcotics destined for North America.
A vessel belonging to the Costa Rican Coast Guard was involved in the pursuit of the suspect boat, which attempted to evade capture.
After successfully halting the boat, the Drug Control Police (PCD) discovered a total of 1,229 packages of cocaine, alongside 448 packages of marijuana, with each package weighing about one kilogram.
The operation received aerial support from a U.S. aircraft, part of a bilateral agreement aimed at combating drug trafficking in the region.
The three arrested individuals were subsequently handed over to judicial authorities for legal proceedings.
Costa Rica is recognized as a significant transit hub for cocaine originating from South America, with primary sources including Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, before the drugs are moved toward the United States—the largest consumer market for cocaine globally.
This latest seizure contributes to the notable trends in drug confiscation in Costa Rica, which saw over seven tons of cocaine seized in 2025, following a record 21.3 tons in 2024, as reported by the Costa Rican Drug Institute (ICD).
Currently, details regarding the intercepted vessel and the identities of the suspects have not been disclosed, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The Ministry of Public Security (MSP) underscored the importance of international cooperation in the operation, which reflects the country’s commitment to combating drug trafficking off its extensive and challenging coastlines.
The interception took place approximately 64 kilometers off Cabo Matapalo, an area commonly exploited by drug traffickers for the transit of narcotics destined for North America.
A vessel belonging to the Costa Rican Coast Guard was involved in the pursuit of the suspect boat, which attempted to evade capture.
After successfully halting the boat, the Drug Control Police (PCD) discovered a total of 1,229 packages of cocaine, alongside 448 packages of marijuana, with each package weighing about one kilogram.
The operation received aerial support from a U.S. aircraft, part of a bilateral agreement aimed at combating drug trafficking in the region.
The three arrested individuals were subsequently handed over to judicial authorities for legal proceedings.
Costa Rica is recognized as a significant transit hub for cocaine originating from South America, with primary sources including Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru, before the drugs are moved toward the United States—the largest consumer market for cocaine globally.
This latest seizure contributes to the notable trends in drug confiscation in Costa Rica, which saw over seven tons of cocaine seized in 2025, following a record 21.3 tons in 2024, as reported by the Costa Rican Drug Institute (ICD).
Currently, details regarding the intercepted vessel and the identities of the suspects have not been disclosed, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The Ministry of Public Security (MSP) underscored the importance of international cooperation in the operation, which reflects the country’s commitment to combating drug trafficking off its extensive and challenging coastlines.
