Costa Rica Police Raid 80 Sites in Cargo Theft Probe
Costa Rica's judicial police raided 80 sites on 9 October, detaining 22 suspects in a probe into container theft, fuel theft and drug trafficking. The post Costa Rica Police Raid 80 Sites in Cargo Theft Probe appeared first on The Rio Times .
Costa Rica's judicial police, the Judicial Investigation Organisation (OIJ), conducted 80 raids on Friday, 9 October 2026, targeting a criminal group allegedly engaged in container theft, fuel theft, drug trafficking, money laundering and two homicides. The operation primarily focused on Limón province on the Caribbean coast, with additional searches in other regions including Heredia, Upala, Puntarenas, Desamparados, Puriscal, Escazú, Guápiles, Siquirres and Batán.
According to authorities, 22 people were detained during the raids, while La Nación reports 48 suspects were arrested based on preliminary arrest warrants. The operation involved 1,275 judicial officials, comprising 1,100 OIJ agents, 85 judges, and 90 prosecutors. Five firearms, including an AR-15 rifle, were seized, along with several kilograms of marijuana, luxury vehicles, and cash.
Approximately 100 kilograms of cocaine were reportedly seized during the broader investigation. The OIJ has not yet released the final arrest numbers, suspect names, or charges. Authorities allege the group operated as an illicit association, mixing cargo crime with drug trafficking. The raids are tied to two investigations, Portus and Conexión.
OIJ interim director Michael Soto stated that suspects threw money from window during the raids to destroy evidence.
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