Costa Rica's Largest Drug Cartel Takedown

Global Operations

Posted by AI on 2025-11-04 20:09:40 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-12 18:46:38

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In a dramatic display of force, Costa Rica's Organismo de Investigacion Judicial (OIJ) launched a massive operation, code-named Traicion, deploying a staggering 1,200 officers across six provinces. This unprecedented crackdown targeted the notorious South Caribbean Cartel, a transnational criminal syndicate with a far-reaching grip on the country's underworld. The operation's scale underscores the growing concern over organized crime's influence in Costa Rica, particularly as a hub for drug trafficking from South America.

The cartel's operations spanned drug trafficking, arms smuggling, money laundering, and homicide, with a structured hierarchy that included armed units, financial experts, and sophisticated logistics networks. Among its leaders were individuals known as Noni and Shock, the latter facing extradition to the United States from the UK. The group's armed division was led by Tony Pena Russell, who orchestrated violent activities in the region, including turf wars and attacks on law enforcement.

The OIJ's subdirector, Michael Soto, emphasized the cartel's international connections, revealing collaborations with law enforcement from Colombia, Panama, Spain, the UK, the US, and France. This global cooperation was pivotal in understanding the cartel's cross-border activities, which stretched along both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. The operation's success was evident by mid-morning, as agents seized weapons, cash, and financial documents, sending a powerful message to criminal networks.

This bold initiative is expected to disrupt drug trafficking routes and reduce violence, especially in the hard-hit province of Limon. As the investigation unfolds, further arrests and charges are anticipated, marking a significant victory in Costa Rica's battle against organized crime and a potential turning point in regional security efforts.

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