San José, Costa Rica - A violent conflict among three drug trafficking organizations has erupted in the southern neighborhoods of San José, notably in Alajuelita, as they vie for control over territory previously dominated by the gang known as Los Lara.

This surge in violence has contributed to a concerning rise in homicides within these communities, prompting the Ministry of Public Security to initiate an operation dubbed Tolerancia Cero, aimed at dismantling these criminal groups.

The ongoing bloodshed is primarily attributed to the rival gangs, Los Myrie, Los Gemelos, and Los Churro, who have begun attacking Los Lara, exploiting the latter's weakened position due to internal disputes.

The operation Tolerancia Cero commenced on March 28, 2025, and involved over 400 police officers from various units, accompanied by aerial support, including a helicopter surveying the area.

Mario Zamora Cordero, the Minister of Public Security, emphasized the government's commitment to curtailing criminal activity, stating that operations will continue with a focus on surprise interventions nationwide, paying special attention to southern San José neighborhoods.

During the operation, authorities reported the detainment of 19 individuals suspected of various crimes, including narcotrafficking and possession of illegal firearms.

Additionally, drug seizures included significant quantities, such as 442 marijuana cigarettes, 634 doses of marijuana, 391 doses of cocaine, and 1,728 doses of crack cocaine, alongside undisclosed amounts of firearms and ammunition.

The raids primarily took place in Hatillo Centro, Sagrada Familia, Alajuelita Centro, La Aurora, and Concepción, where these criminal factions are entrenched and actively contesting territories for drug sales.

San José has faced a total of 77 murders this year, a notable increase compared to the same period last year.

The operation extended beyond raids in local neighborhoods, employing aerial and ground forces, with drones and specialized units involved.

Collaboration with U.S. authorities was established, as aerial surveillance was supported by the American Embassy.

Simultaneously, operations within penitentiary facilities also targeted drug smuggling operations linking incarcerated members with street gangs.

Los Lara, under the leadership of brothers Julio César and Juan Lara Villanea, have maintained a substantial presence in Alajuelita for around 15 years, dealing in large quantities of illegal drugs.

Their structure remains robust despite severe legal repercussions faced by its leaders, who were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for drug trafficking.

The group has endured a notable spike in violence, particularly after a revenge killing linked to the family.

The emergence of Los Myrie and their alliance with remnants of Leonel Mora Núñez’s organization has intensified the battle for dominance in the region, drawing attention from law enforcement.

A separate operation in La Fortuna, San Carlos, led to the arrest of eleven individuals connected to a gang under the alias 'Diablo,' responding to increased criminal activity in that area.

This group is implicated in at least one homicide and is known for distributing narcotics in the locality.

In the province of Limón, another violent incident occurred, resulting in the fatal shooting of a man in front of a school, highlighting ongoing concerns about public safety amidst escalating gang violence.

To date, Costa Rica has reported 225 murders in 2025, reflecting a concerning trend in violent crime.