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Photo via Judicial Investigation Organization.

Canadian and U.S. citizen arrested in Costa Rica as drug dealer suspects



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Published on Wednesday, November 20, 2024
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff




On Wednesday, agents from the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) arrested a Canadian male (63) and a U.S.-Canadian dual citizenship female (38), on suspicion of forming a drug-dealing gang in Guanacaste Province.



Along with the two North American citizens, three Costa Ricans, two men and one woman, were arrested.



The investigation began in September when officials received an anonymous tip about a group of drug dealers operating throughout Guanacaste, according to the police report.



After a month-long investigation, agents raided the suspects' houses in the cantons of Santa Cruz and Tamarindo Beach.







The anti-drug operation resulted in the arrests of the suspects and the seizure of drugs including hallucinogenic mushrooms, crack, marijuana, and cocaine, authorities said.



The narcotics, cash, and other evidence were confiscated as part of the investigation.



Authorities did not reveal the identity of the suspects, who were taken to the Guanacaste Public Ministry's cells for interrogation by judicial agents. They are currently awaiting the judge's orders on pre-trial measures against them as alleged drug dealers.








Authorities urged to report any suspicion of drug sales or trafficking to the ten-digit confidential line 800-8000-645 or fast line 11-76, where bilingual agents can answer calls in English or Spanish.



The Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ), a division of the Supreme Court of Justice, conducts criminal investigations. Officers in the operational unit have the authority to use police power across the country, including the authority to arrest. 



According to the U.S. Embassy, a consular officer visits an arrested U.S. citizen after being notified by Costa Rican authorities to ascertain the arrestee’s physical well-being and conditions of arrest, provide information on legal procedures, including a list of attorneys, and, if the prisoner wishes, notify family or friends.



"However, consular officers can't act as attorneys or legal representatives nor affect the release of arrested American citizens," the Embassy noted in its statement.



If a U.S. citizen is arrested, Costa Rican authorities should notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. They are obligated to notify a U.S. consular officer of the arrest unless the individual asks that they not do so.



"In limited circumstances, consular officers can also serve as liaisons between you and your family and provide you with a list of local attorneys," they added.



The Embassy officers can also assist with the transfer of funds from family or friends to pay attorneys’ fees and for the suspect upkeep while incarcerated.



"If you are imprisoned for a lengthy period, a consular officer will visit you periodically, at least once every three to four months, " they noted.



This is one of numerous cases of North American citizens arrested in Costa Rica. Recently, authorities arrested and deported a U.S. citizen male surnamed Hank (32) to the United States.



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What have you heard about expats jailed in Costa Rica?
We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com




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