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A joint operation led by the DEA and Costa Rican authorities resulted in the arrest of 50 of 90 suspected members of a major drug trafficking organization. Photos courtesy of the Judicial Investigation Organization.

DEA-Led Operation Targets 90 Suspected Drug Traffickers In Costa Rica

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Published on Tuesday, June 23, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

A joint operation led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Costa Rican authorities resulted in the arrest of 50 of 90 suspected members of a major drug trafficking organization Tuesday, according to the Attorney General's Office.

The operation, known as Riverside, was carried out with support from the DEA as part of international cooperation efforts aimed at combating transnational organized crime networks, the Anti-Money Laundering Prosecutor's Office said.

The investigation began in 2024 and seeks to arrest at least 90 individuals allegedly linked to Costa Rican national López Vega, who was extradited to the United States in March. Among those targeted are López's wife and four of his children.

Authorities said judicial agents linked the organization to previous anti-drug operations that resulted in the seizure of more than 960 kilograms of cocaine and more than 3,200 kilograms of marijuana. Investigators also determined that the organization controlled assets and properties valued at more than $5 million.

The arrests were carried out early Tuesday during a massive law enforcement operation involving nearly 100 simultaneous search warrants executed across five provinces. Raids targeted suspects' homes, offices, businesses, including hotels and restaurants, municipal offices, farms and three prisons.

At least 27 of the properties searched are linked to López, who is currently being held at the Collin County Jail in McKinney, Texas.

Those under investigation face allegations ranging from domestic and international drug trafficking to weapons trafficking, possession of explosives, smuggling drugs into correctional facilities, money laundering and criminal association.

In addition to the arrests, authorities seized more than 500 kilograms of cocaine and 200 kilograms of marijuana, along with firearms, boats, vehicles, cellphones, livestock, ammunition, cash and other evidence related to the case.

More than 70 judges, 100 prosecutors and 1,500 agents from the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) and police officers participated in the operation.

Authorities said the investigation seeks to dismantle an alleged criminal organization involved in domestic and international drug trafficking and money laundering that was allegedly led by López Vega.

Officials described Riverside as the largest operation ever conducted by the Public Ministry.

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Authorities have also linked López to former Supreme Court magistrate and former Security Minister Celso Gamboa Sánchez, who served as his attorney. Both men became the first two Costa Ricans in the nation's history to be extradited to the United States in March to face drug trafficking charges.

Several suspects, including López's wife, are believed to be outside Costa Rica. Authorities said Red Notices have been issued seeking their arrest and return to the country.

Officials added that additional arrests could be made in the coming hours.

The suspects currently in custody are being held at Public Ministry facilities in San José, where prosecutors are seeking pretrial detention on international drug trafficking charges.

Authorities urged the public to report suspected drug trafficking through a confidential 10-digit hotline at 800-8000-645 or its rapid-response line at 1176. Assistance is available in both English and Spanish.

The OIJ, a division of Costa Rica's Supreme Court of Justice, is responsible for conducting criminal investigations and has nationwide law enforcement authority.

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Should the United States expand its support for Costa Rica in the fight against drug trafficking? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com