Fatal Shooting During OIJ Operation in Volcán de Buenos Aires
A man was shot and killed during a police raid targeting drug trafficking suspects.
On the morning of March 13, 2025, a police operation by the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) in Volcán de Buenos Aires, located in the southern region of Costa Rica, resulted in the death of a 31-year-old man identified by the last name Cedeño. Randall Zúñiga, director of the OIJ, reported that the raid was intended to arrest an individual suspected of drug trafficking.
Upon entering the premises, the agents announced their presence by stating, 'OIJ Police.' During the search, they located Cedeño, who allegedly fired two shots at the officers using a firearm.
In response, the police returned fire, resulting in Cedeño sustaining a critical gunshot wound to the chest.
He was subsequently transported to a nearby clinic where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Fortunately, none of the police officers involved in the incident were injured and they are reported to be in good health.
The scene is currently being processed by OIJ officials from Pérez Zeledón. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.
In related news, further violence was reported in the cantón of Mora, where another shooting occurred later the same day, leaving one man dead and another severely injured.
This shooting took place in the Corralar de Tabarcia area, with the Cruz Roja confirming the death of one individual who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, while the other was rushed to a medical facility for treatment.
As of March 13, 2025, the OIJ has recorded a total of 186 homicides nationwide this year, with urban areas such as San José experiencing a notable rise in violent crime, attributed primarily to gang conflicts.
The increase in homicides in San José has raised concerns among authorities, who have attributed the spike to internal gang disputes as well as new rivalries over territory.
Local police have noted that these developments present a significant challenge to maintaining public safety amid a pressing issue of gun violence.
In a broader regional context, ongoing operations in Puntarenas against organized crime reflect law enforcement's focus on dismantling local gangs, including recent raids involving over 300 investigators targeting known criminal organizations.
The authorities continue to emphasize the need for extensive control measures to counteract rising violent crime associated with drug trafficking and gang activity.
Upon entering the premises, the agents announced their presence by stating, 'OIJ Police.' During the search, they located Cedeño, who allegedly fired two shots at the officers using a firearm.
In response, the police returned fire, resulting in Cedeño sustaining a critical gunshot wound to the chest.
He was subsequently transported to a nearby clinic where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Fortunately, none of the police officers involved in the incident were injured and they are reported to be in good health.
The scene is currently being processed by OIJ officials from Pérez Zeledón. This operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.
In related news, further violence was reported in the cantón of Mora, where another shooting occurred later the same day, leaving one man dead and another severely injured.
This shooting took place in the Corralar de Tabarcia area, with the Cruz Roja confirming the death of one individual who had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, while the other was rushed to a medical facility for treatment.
As of March 13, 2025, the OIJ has recorded a total of 186 homicides nationwide this year, with urban areas such as San José experiencing a notable rise in violent crime, attributed primarily to gang conflicts.
The increase in homicides in San José has raised concerns among authorities, who have attributed the spike to internal gang disputes as well as new rivalries over territory.
Local police have noted that these developments present a significant challenge to maintaining public safety amid a pressing issue of gun violence.
In a broader regional context, ongoing operations in Puntarenas against organized crime reflect law enforcement's focus on dismantling local gangs, including recent raids involving over 300 investigators targeting known criminal organizations.
The authorities continue to emphasize the need for extensive control measures to counteract rising violent crime associated with drug trafficking and gang activity.
