Three Mexican nationals were arrested and more than 800 kilograms of cocaine were seized in a joint anti-narcotics operation led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Costa Rican authorities.

According to the Ministry of Public Security (MSP), the operation was conducted under the Joint Patrol Treaty between Costa Rica and the United States.

The action began Tuesday when DEA agents alerted local officials about a suspicious yacht docked at Quepos Beach Port in Puntarenas province. The vessel bore U.S. registration and flew an American flag.

U.S. authorities provided the Costa Rican Coast Guard with information about the yacht, prompting an investigation into its cargo.

On board were three Mexican crew members, identified by their last names: Campos, Espinoza, and Vidrio. All were arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking.

The yacht was towed to the Coast Guard station at Quepos Beach, where Drug Control Police conducted a detailed inspection. Authorities discovered approximately 840 packages of cocaine, each weighing around one kilogram.

In addition to the narcotics, authorities seized the yacht, approximately $12,600 in cash, and electronic navigation equipment as evidence.

The suspects were transferred to the custody of the Public Ministry in Puntarenas, where they await a judge’s decision on whether they will face pre-trial detention on charges of international drug trafficking.

Authorities are urging the public to report any suspected drug trafficking activity through the confidential hotline 800-8000-645 or the quick-response line 11-76. Bilingual agents are available to assist callers in English or Spanish.

According to the MSP, Costa Rica seized nearly 32 metric tons of cocaine and approximately 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. This collaboration has resulted in 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. This aid has helped modernize security forces, strengthen the judicial system’s ability to investigate and prosecute transnational criminals, and combat corruption.

U.S. assistance includes equipment donations, training, and technical support aimed at enhancing Costa Rica’s ability to confront organized crime and the drug trade.

The Ministry of Public Security remains responsible for maintaining public order, training police units, and coordinating national anti-crime efforts.