Costa Rica arrests alleged trafficker wanted by U.S.

Costa Rican authorities have apprehended a citizen sought by the United States for his alleged role in a major cocaine trafficking ring. The suspect, known by the alias 'Pirulo,' was arrested in Puerto Viejo, Limón province, following an international arrest warrant issued in November 2025 by a Texas district court.

The Public Ministry of Costa Rica stated that the 40-year-old suspect was part of a criminal organization that trafficked large quantities of cocaine from South America. The group allegedly used various vessels, including fast boats and semi-submersibles, along with aircraft and trucks, to move drugs from Ecuador and Colombia. These shipments then transited through Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, and Mexico before reaching the United States.

'Pirulo' will remain in custody while the extradition process to the U.S. is underway. Costa Rica amended its constitution in May 2025 to permit the extradition of its nationals, but only for drug trafficking and terrorism offenses. Since this reform, the country has extradited three alleged traffickers, including former Security Minister Celso Gamboa and his associate Edwin López, to the U.S., and José Johnny Angulo to Italy. Approximately twenty more individuals are awaiting extradition for drug trafficking, primarily to the United States.

Costa Rica, a nation without an army since 1948, is strategically located on drug routes, making drug trafficking its primary security challenge. Authorities report that the country has become a logistical hub for criminal groups, receiving and storing drug shipments from South America before onward transit to the U.S. and Europe, often concealed in shipping containers. In recent years, Costa Rica has strengthened its security cooperation with the U.S., joining initiatives like 'Shield of the Americas' aimed at combating drug cartels.