The operation began Sunday when DEA agents alerted Costa Rican authorities about a suspected cocaine shipment moving through San José. Acting on the tip, the Drug Control Police (PCD) launched a surveillance effort to locate and intercept the cargo.

As part of the investigation, officers conducted routine highway patrols along Paseo Colón Avenue in downtown San José. While monitoring traffic, they spotted a vehicle matching the DEA's description.

Officers located the vehicle, conducted a brief inspection, and discovered several packages of the drug hidden in a concealed compartment beneath the seats.

The vehicle’s driver, identified as a Venezuelan national with the surname Sánchez, was arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking. The seized cargo was later confirmed to contain 70 kilograms of cocaine following a detailed inspection by PCD agents.

During the same operation, two additional suspects were arrested, both Colombian nationals, identified by the surnames Restrepo and Sinisterra. Authorities believe they were traveling in separate vehicles and acting as escorts or lookouts for the main cargo vehicle.

The San José Prosecutor’s Office has ordered the confiscation of the narcotics, the three vehicles involved, and any cash recovered as part of the case. All three suspects have been transferred to the Public Ministry and remain in custody as they await a judge’s decision regarding pretrial detention.

Authorities are urging the public to report suspected drug trafficking activity by calling the confidential hotline at 800-8000-645 or the rapid-response line at 11-76. Bilingual agents are available to assist in both English and Spanish.

This seizure is part of a broader uptick in joint DEA–Costa Rica enforcement activity. In a recent related case, agents from Interpol, acting on DEA-provided intelligence, arrested a U.S. citizen with the surname Durán.

The arrests follow a major legal development in Costa Rica: a newly enacted constitutional amendment now allows the extradition of Costa Rican citizens, whether by birth or naturalization, to countries with which Costa Rica has active treaties, including the United States.

The Ministry of Public Security (MSP) is tasked with maintaining public order, training law enforcement personnel, and coordinating the country's anti-crime and anti-drug strategies.

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