The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) led an anti-drug operation in Costa Rica that resulted in the seizure of nearly 51 kilograms of methamphetamine, the Ministry of Public Security (MSP) announced. The operation was part of the International Shield Operation.

Authorities said it was the second-largest methamphetamine seizure in Costa Rica’s history. The largest occurred in May, when agents confiscated 70 kilograms of the drug during another DEA-led operation.

Methamphetamine, a potent central nervous system stimulant, is primarily used recreationally or to enhance performance. Because of its high potential for abuse and addiction, it is commonly trafficked and sold illegally.

The latest bust came after FBI and DEA agents alerted Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) about a possible methamphetamine shipment being stored in the country. Acting on the tip, OIJ officers and the Drug Control Police launched a joint operation to locate the suspected cargo.

During the raids, officers found several packages containing crystal methamphetamine at a house in Heredia.

In addition to the methamphetamine, officers seized 100 kilograms of cocaine, 50 kilograms of marijuana, and 280 vials of ketamine. They also confiscated about $2,000 in cash, along with documents and electronic devices related to the ongoing investigation.

The properties were unoccupied at the time of the raids, and no arrests were made, according to police.

During a search of the driver, the passenger, and the vehicle, police found a plastic bag hidden under the driver’s seat containing approximately 500 grams of methamphetamine. The driver and passenger, two men with the last names García and Guzmán, were arrested as suspects in illegal drug trafficking.

Investigators are still working to determine whether the suspects are connected to the 51 kilograms of methamphetamine seized as part of the International Shield Operation.

Authorities urged the public to report suspected drug trafficking activity through the confidential hotline 800-8000-645 or the quick-response line 1176. Bilingual agents are available to assist callers in English or Spanish.

The operation comes amid a surge in joint DEA–Costa Rica enforcement activity. In October, DEA agents working with Costa Rican authorities arrested four Costa Rican men for extradition to the United States, where they face charges of participating in an international drug trafficking gang.

According to the Ministry of Public Security, Costa Rica seized nearly 32 metric tons of cocaine and about 15 metric tons of marijuana in 2024.

The U.S. State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) works closely with Costa Rican security agencies to disrupt drug trafficking operations. The partnership has led to record-breaking drug seizures, including 72.7 metric tons in 2020 and 71.1 metric tons in 2021.

To support these efforts, the U.S. government has provided more than $260 million in bilateral and regional security assistance to Costa Rica. The aid has helped modernize security forces, strengthen the judicial system’s capacity to investigate and prosecute transnational criminals, and fight corruption.

U.S. assistance also includes equipment donations, training, and technical support to enhance Costa Rica’s ability to combat organized crime and the drug trade.

The MPS is the government organization responsible for maintaining public order, training police units, and coordinating national anti-crime efforts.

The OIJ, a division of the Supreme Court of Justice, is responsible for conducting criminal investigations and holds nationwide police authority.