Major drug trafficking ring dismantled in Costa Rica; 'Pecho de Rata' family targeted

Costa Rican law enforcement has dismantled a significant international drug trafficking organization, dubbed the Riverside case, in a massive operation involving over 1,500 agents. The coordinated raids targeted homes, farms, and hotels across the country, leading to the arrest of numerous individuals allegedly involved with the cartel.

The operation, which included judges and prosecutors, specifically targeted structures associated with Edwin López Vega, known by the alias "Pecho de Rata," and his sons, who also have the surname López Tyndall. This action represents a major blow against organized crime within the nation.

The Riverside case is reportedly the second international drug cartel dismantled in Costa Rica, highlighting the country's ongoing struggle with transnational criminal networks. The extensive nature of the raids underscores the scale of the operation and the deep reach of the alleged criminal enterprise.