The facade was that of a group of businessmen: car sales, coffee production and construction projects. However, behind these legal businesses it is suspected that a sophisticated logistical support network for international drug trafficking dismantled this Tuesday by the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ).
The case, known as Furtive and whose investigation began in 2024, led this Tuesday to the execution of 25 simultaneous raids in different parts of the country by the OIJ, with the objective of dismantling the criminal structure.
Furtive Case – Agents of the Judicial Investigation Organizations Carry out 25 Raids to Dismantle a Criminal Organization, Apparently, Dedicated to International Drug Trafficking.
According to Juan Pablo Calvo, head of the Criminal Investigations Department, these economic activities functioned as a screen to appear legal, while the organization was allegedly dedicated to facilitate the transfer of drugs to the north of Central America.
“The Public Ministry is considering starting, as part of this investigation, a parallel process for money launderingsince this organization used some apparently legal companies such as vehicle sales, agricultural production such as coffee, including what were properly construction issues,” Calvo explained.
Furtive Case: OIJ carries out 25 raids
Logistics for international drug trafficking
According to OIJ investigations, this network did not respond to a single criminal group, but rather offered logistical services to different structures dedicated to international drug trafficking.
Its function was allegedly to receive shipments within the country and transfer them to the North Pacific, where it is suspected they were sent by air. —through clandestine tracks— to destinations such as Guatemala, Mexico and even the United States.
The criminal organization is linked to the discovery of a Cessna-type plane with traces of drugs on a farm in the town of Piedras Blancas, in Nicoya, Guanacaste, in January 2025.
On that occasion, Officers from the Air Surveillance Service (SVA) found the aircraft parked next to a clandestine runway, camouflaged with saran among the vegetation.
Furtive Case: OIJ carries out 25 raids to dismantle a gang suspected of international drug trafficking
Operational in several areas
Most of the operations were concentrated in the southern part of the country, especially in Zabalito, where 17 raids were carried out. Procedures were also carried out in Guanacaste, San José, Heredia and Alajuela.
In Guanacastethe agents intervened in a hangar where they located two aircraft which are presumed to have been used to transport cargo.
On the other hand, in Alajuela and Herediawas linked to individuals of Colombian nationality who, apparently, hired the services of the network to move drugs to Guanacaste.
So far, authorities report eight people arrested of a total of 11 identified objectives.
In addition to the captures, the seizure of at least 20 vehiclessome of them high-end, linked to illicit activity.
