Police have dismantled an illegal indoor cannabis cultivation site in Alajuela province and arrested a suspect following an anti-drug operation triggered by community reports.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Public Security, the investigation began after authorities received multiple complaints about suspicious activity linked to cannabis use at a residence in Atenas canton.

During a targeted operation, officers arrived at the property and confirmed that the house was being used for the indoor cultivation of marijuana.

Following standard narcotics enforcement protocol, officers called in specialists from the Drug Control Police (PCD) to assist with evidence processing. Authorities seized approximately 244 marijuana plants, 267 grams of processed cannabis, and various indoor cultivation tools. All items were secured as evidence.

A man at the residence, identified by the surname Trejos, was taken into custody. He had been renting the house at the time of the operation. Trejos was transferred to the San José Public Ministry, where he awaits a judge’s decision regarding possible pretrial detention.

This case marks the fourth cannabis grow house dismantled in Costa Rica in 2025, according to the Ministry.

Authorities are encouraging the public to report suspected illegal marijuana cultivation through the confidential tip line 800-8000-645 or the emergency response line 1176. Bilingual agents are available to assist callers in either English or Spanish.

Related to recreational cannabis use, in November 2024, Costa Rica’s Constitutional Chamber ruled that the recreational use of cannabis is unconstitutional.

Although the country legalized medical cannabis and industrial hemp production in 2022 as part of an economic strategy to boost exports, recreational use, self-cultivation, and personal consumption of marijuana remain illegal under current law.

In 2023, the Ministry of Agriculture granted the National University (UNA) permission to import hemp seeds from Canada for regulated cultivation and scientific research.

The Ministry of Public Security continues to oversee national law enforcement operations, police training, and coordination of anti-narcotics initiatives.