Costa Rican authorities, working with Interpol, have arrested a 34-year-old Canadian citizen identified by the last name Bou-Saleh, who is wanted by authorities in Canada, officials said.

The Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) said Canada’s Department of Justice issued an international arrest warrant for Bou-Saleh in connection with drug and arms trafficking charges. His arrest followed the issuance of an Interpol Red Notice requesting his immediate detention.

Bou-Saleh was taken into custody in a public area near his residence in the Villarreal District, in Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste Province. Authorities said he had been living in Costa Rica with his girlfriend and children.

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According to the OIJ, Bou-Saleh moved to Costa Rica about two years ago after Canadian authorities linked him to a criminal organization operating in Lake Country, Okanagan, British Columbia. The group is accused of trafficking drugs and firearms.

Investigators said Canadian authorities carried out several raids between January and March 2023, seizing drugs, cash and firearms allegedly connected to the criminal group linked to Bou-Saleh.

He is currently being held at the Immigration Apprehension Center in San José while authorities complete the extradition process to Canada.

Officials declined to release additional details, citing the confidentiality of the investigation. The OIJ said only family members are authorized to request further information.

The OIJ urged the public to report individuals suspected of hiding in Costa Rica under an Interpol Red Notice. Tips can be submitted confidentially by calling the 10-digit hotline at 800-8000-645 or the fast line at 11-76, where bilingual agents are available in English and Spanish.

The case is one of several involving foreign nationals arrested in the country due to international Red Notices. Recently, Costa Rica deported a 38-year-old Canadian citizen identified by the last name Conneh, who was wanted by U.S. authorities.

In December 2025, Costa Rican authorities arrested a 63-year-old Russian citizen identified by the last name Larguine, who is wanted by the United States.

The Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ), which operates under Costa Rica’s Supreme Court of Justice, is responsible for conducting criminal investigations nationwide and holds police authority throughout the country.

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