From The Rio Times · Carlos Silva · · 1m 20s
Costa Rica Police Raid 80 Sites in Cargo Theft Probe
Costa Rica police raid 80 sites in cargo theft probe targeting drug trafficking and two homicides.
In brief
Costa Rica police raid 80 sites in cargo theft probe targeting drug trafficking and two homicides. Costa Rica's judicial police detained 22 suspects in raids targeting a criminal network linked to container theft, fuel theft, drug trafficking, and two homicides. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
Costa Rica Police Raid 80 Sites
Costa Rica's judicial police executed 80 raids on Friday 9 October 2026 against a group suspected of stealing shipping containers and fuel.
22 People Detained
A preliminary count shows 22 people detained, while La Nación reports arrest warrants for 48 suspects.
Raids Target Limón Province
The operation centred on Limón province on the Caribbean coast with further searches in areas such as Heredia, Upala, Puntarenas and Guápiles.
Alleged Crimes
Investigators allege the group stole containers and fuel, trafficked drugs, laundered money and formed an illicit association linked to two homicides.
Seized Items
Teletica and CRHoy report five firearms including an AR-15 rifle, several kilograms of marijuana, luxury vehicles and cash.
Cocaine Seizure
About 100 kilograms of cocaine were seized earlier in the investigation, not in these raids.
Cost of Theft
Container thefts cost about US$1.5 million, while fuel thefts involved 654,000 litres worth roughly 400 million Costa Rican colones.
No Court Ruling
The detainees are suspects, and no court has ruled on the allegations.
The takeaway
Costa Rica's judicial police detained 22 suspects in raids targeting a criminal network linked to container theft, fuel theft, drug trafficking, and two homicides.
