A simultaneous operation in Puntarenas and Guanacaste resulted in the arrest of three suspects linked to a network that, according to authorities, It provided logistical support to the Sinaloa cartel for international drug trafficking.
The raids—two in each province—were part of an ongoing investigation for at least a year, focused on dismantling this structure that facilitated air drug trafficking operations from Costa Rica.
Two individuals with the surnames Arias Morera and Varela Ugalde fell in Puntarenas; while in Guanacaste Morales Grijalba was detained, who were placed under the orders of the Quepos Prosecutor’s Office, where the case is being processed and will give an investigatory statement for the crimes of international drug trafficking, and facilitation and construction of clandestine landing strips.
It is presumed that they worked as collaborators of a criminal group. They were in charge of searching for landing strips, fuel supply and custody of drug shipments. “In that sense, they are linked to the seizure of 400 kilos of cocaine, which occurred on December 8, 2025, near the Daniel Oduber Airport,” indicated the Public Ministry.
These services were apparently provided for small planes loaded with cocaine from Colombia and Ecuador, which landed on clandestine runways to refuel before continuing to Mexico and the United States, added Mario Zamora, Minister of Public Security.
The Drug Control Police (PCD), the Special Support Unit (UEA) and the Directorate of Intelligence and Criminal Analysis (DIAC) participated in the raids, in coordination with the Drug Control Administration (DEA) of the United States and the Prosecutor’s Office, as well as officers from the Special Intervention Unit (UEI) and the Public Force.
At the close of the investigation, the seizure of 115 grams of marijuana and 25 grams of cocaine, ¢1,828,000 in cash, 13 9 mm caliber ammunition and 56 12 caliber cartridges, five empty tin cans with a strong smell of fuel and relevant documentation for the investigation were confirmed.
Previous cases
In April 2025, 840 kilos of cocaine and more than $12,000 (approximately ¢6.1 million) were seized from this structure during a operation on a yacht in Quepos, Puntarenas, where three Mexican citizens were also detained.
Later, in December of the same year, authorities captured another Mexican and three Costa Ricans in Liberia, Guanacaste, allegedly linked to the same organization.
In that case, 400 kilos of cocaine, firearms, fuel, lighting for clandestine runways, tires for aircraft and cash in colones and dollars were seized.
