U.S. Arrests Key Associate of Notorious Drug Leader After Seven-Year Fugitive Status
Santos Fonseca, linked to the alleged narcotics leader 'Diablo,' is extradited to Costa Rica to serve a prison sentence.
Santos Fonseca, an alleged close associate of Alejandro Arias Monge, known as 'Diablo,' was arrested in Seattle, United States, after evading authorities for approximately seven years.
This apprehension was announced by Costa Rica's Public Ministry, which stated that it resulted from a collaborative strategy involving the National Prosecutor's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The Public Ministry confirmed that Fonseca was extradited back to Costa Rica on the afternoon of March 21, 2025, where he is required to serve a sentence of six years and six months in prison.
Fonseca's legal issues trace back to 2018 when the Deputy Prosecutor's Office in Pococí gathered sufficient evidence for him to admit guilt concerning drug trafficking charges.
He participated in an abbreviated judicial process leading to a conviction by the local Penal Court.
Despite this, Fonseca remained at large, prompting the issuance of an international arrest warrant for his extradition due to his continued defiance against the sentence.
According to the court ruling, the Public Ministry established that in June 2018, Fonseca, along with another individual, was found in possession of over 1,000 grams of cocaine in a vehicle.
This operation was conducted by law enforcement officials, who discovered the narcotics along with ₡932,000 in cash during a vehicle inspection.
Fonseca's connection with the organization led by the individual known as 'Diablo' has been underscored by authorities throughout the investigation.
This apprehension was announced by Costa Rica's Public Ministry, which stated that it resulted from a collaborative strategy involving the National Prosecutor's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The Public Ministry confirmed that Fonseca was extradited back to Costa Rica on the afternoon of March 21, 2025, where he is required to serve a sentence of six years and six months in prison.
Fonseca's legal issues trace back to 2018 when the Deputy Prosecutor's Office in Pococí gathered sufficient evidence for him to admit guilt concerning drug trafficking charges.
He participated in an abbreviated judicial process leading to a conviction by the local Penal Court.
Despite this, Fonseca remained at large, prompting the issuance of an international arrest warrant for his extradition due to his continued defiance against the sentence.
According to the court ruling, the Public Ministry established that in June 2018, Fonseca, along with another individual, was found in possession of over 1,000 grams of cocaine in a vehicle.
This operation was conducted by law enforcement officials, who discovered the narcotics along with ₡932,000 in cash during a vehicle inspection.
Fonseca's connection with the organization led by the individual known as 'Diablo' has been underscored by authorities throughout the investigation.
