Police Operation Dismantles Drug Trafficking Network Tied to Violent Homicides in Northern Costa Rica
A coordinated effort by law enforcement leads to the arrest of multiple suspects connected to narcotics and violent crimes in the San Carlos region.
On June 5, 2025, law enforcement authorities in Costa Rica executed a significant operation targeting a criminal organization linked to drug trafficking and violent homicides in the northern part of the country.
The Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) and the Anti-Narcotics Prosecutor's Office in San Carlos were involved in a series of coordinated raids that resulted in the arrest of several suspects.
The operation consisted of 11 raids—eight in Aguas Zarcas and three in Pococí—aimed at dismantling a network believed to be responsible for at least two violent murders in the region, as well as the distribution of narcotics.
The organization is allegedly led by Eddy Rodríguez Martínez, who is reportedly associated with Alejandro Arias Monge, known by the alias 'Diablo.'
Two homicide cases are currently under investigation; the first took place in January 2025 in La Fortuna de San Carlos, and the second on February 8, 2025, in La Palmera, Santa Rosa de San Carlos, involving a victim identified as a 36-year-old man named Blanco Romero, also known as 'Pizza.'
Officials have stated that 'Diablo' was known to supply drugs to this criminal structure.
According to the Attorney General, Carlo Díaz, the suspects operated a delivery service for drugs, receiving orders via telephone and delivering the narcotics using vehicles associated with the organization.
Specific code names were used: ‘Pollo’ referred to cocaine, ‘Abuelo’ identified crack cocaine, and ‘Verde’ was used for marijuana.
The police operation commenced at 5 a.m. and has thus far led to the apprehension of 17 out of 21 targeted individuals.
Among those arrested are three key leaders of the gang, who originated from León XIII in San José, indicating their expansion into northern Costa Rica.
Some detainees included a 17-year-old female, reportedly the romantic partner of Rodríguez Martínez.
The OIJ highlighted that the criminal network was engaged in what is termed 'narcomenudeo,' a method of drug dealing where small quantities are sold directly to consumers.
In this case, the drugs were reportedly delivered to the homes of users, with payments facilitated through a mobile money service.
In total, the law enforcement operation involved multiple specialized OIJ units, including the Tactical Response Special Service, Canine Unit, and Surveillance and Monitoring Unit, alongside several bodies from the Ministry of Public Security.
The detained individuals are set to be presented to the Public Prosecutor's Office, which will determine their legal status in the subsequent hours.
The ongoing investigation began in 2023 and is focused on ensuring public safety in the affected areas, which have been troubled by increasing drug-related violence.
The Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) and the Anti-Narcotics Prosecutor's Office in San Carlos were involved in a series of coordinated raids that resulted in the arrest of several suspects.
The operation consisted of 11 raids—eight in Aguas Zarcas and three in Pococí—aimed at dismantling a network believed to be responsible for at least two violent murders in the region, as well as the distribution of narcotics.
The organization is allegedly led by Eddy Rodríguez Martínez, who is reportedly associated with Alejandro Arias Monge, known by the alias 'Diablo.'
Two homicide cases are currently under investigation; the first took place in January 2025 in La Fortuna de San Carlos, and the second on February 8, 2025, in La Palmera, Santa Rosa de San Carlos, involving a victim identified as a 36-year-old man named Blanco Romero, also known as 'Pizza.'
Officials have stated that 'Diablo' was known to supply drugs to this criminal structure.
According to the Attorney General, Carlo Díaz, the suspects operated a delivery service for drugs, receiving orders via telephone and delivering the narcotics using vehicles associated with the organization.
Specific code names were used: ‘Pollo’ referred to cocaine, ‘Abuelo’ identified crack cocaine, and ‘Verde’ was used for marijuana.
The police operation commenced at 5 a.m. and has thus far led to the apprehension of 17 out of 21 targeted individuals.
Among those arrested are three key leaders of the gang, who originated from León XIII in San José, indicating their expansion into northern Costa Rica.
Some detainees included a 17-year-old female, reportedly the romantic partner of Rodríguez Martínez.
The OIJ highlighted that the criminal network was engaged in what is termed 'narcomenudeo,' a method of drug dealing where small quantities are sold directly to consumers.
In this case, the drugs were reportedly delivered to the homes of users, with payments facilitated through a mobile money service.
In total, the law enforcement operation involved multiple specialized OIJ units, including the Tactical Response Special Service, Canine Unit, and Surveillance and Monitoring Unit, alongside several bodies from the Ministry of Public Security.
The detained individuals are set to be presented to the Public Prosecutor's Office, which will determine their legal status in the subsequent hours.
The ongoing investigation began in 2023 and is focused on ensuring public safety in the affected areas, which have been troubled by increasing drug-related violence.
