Costa Rica dismantles drug ring with Colombian ties, seizes $5 million in assets

Costa Rican authorities have dismantled a major drug trafficking network previously led by Edwin López, also known as 'Pecho de rata,' who was extradited to the United States in March. The operation, involving 98 raids across the province of Limón, targeted an organization with alleged ties to the Colombian criminal group 'Los Costeños.'

The Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) reported that the network amassed substantial assets, including six hotels, a bullring, a restaurant, tourist rental properties, a gym, six cattle ranches, and numerous vehicles. These assets are estimated to be worth at least $5 million. The raids resulted in the arrest of 48 individuals suspected of belonging to the criminal organization.

During the extensive operation, agents seized four firearms, approximately $30,000 in local currency, $13,500 in U.S. dollars, marijuana, jewelry, four boats, three luxury cars, 46 cell phones, 295 rounds of ammunition, various documents, and nearly 200 head of cattle. The OIJ described the operation as one of the largest in its history, requiring the participation of 1,500 officials from various police bodies, 70 judges, and 100 prosecutors.

According to OIJ Director Michael Soto, the organization trafficked drugs from Colombia, which arrived on the Caribbean coast, were stored, and then distributed. He explained that the structure continued operating under the coordination of López's family, particularly his children, even after his extradition. The group allegedly supplied marijuana and cocaine for local distribution and for shipments to the United States. Among those arrested were three of López Vega's children and two prison police officers suspected of facilitating cell phones to López while he was detained in Costa Rica.

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It was a structure that moved drugs from Colombia, arrived here on the Caribbean coast, was stored, and subsequently distributed. The organization is linked to a subject already extradited, López Vega alias 'Pecho de rata,' and the structure continued operating with the coordination of his family, especially his children.