A joint operation led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Coast Guard on Thursday resulted in the seizure of more than four tons of cocaine and the arrest of two suspects off Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast.
The Ministry of Public Security (MSP) said the operation began after the DEA alerted local officials about a suspicious “go-fast” vessel with no visible registration or national flag traveling about 170 nautical miles off the Golfito Port in Puntarenas Province.
Acting on the tip, the U.S. Coast Guard, working jointly with the Costa Rican Coast Guard, intercepted the 32-foot boat and detained its two-man crew.
Inside the vessel, officers found large sacks containing dozens of packages initially believed to be cocaine.
The two suspects, both Colombian nationals identified by the last name Hernández and Moreno, were taken into custody.
The boat went down during the capture operation, authorities added.
The seized drug was transported by the U.S. Coast Guard to the Coast Guard station in Golfito, where the Drug Control Police conducted a detailed inspection. Authorities later confirmed the haul included approximately 4.4 tons of cocaine.
The detainees are being held under the jurisdiction of the Puntarenas Public Ministry. Prosecutors are seeking pretrial detention on international drug trafficking charges.
Authorities urged the public to report possible trafficking activity through Costa Rica’s confidential hotline at 800-8000-645 or its rapid-response line at 1176, which offers bilingual assistance in English and Spanish.
The operation was carried out under the Joint Maritime Patrol Treaty between Costa Rica and the United States. Since 2018, the U.S. State Department has provided more than $269 million in bilateral and regional security assistance to Costa Rica.
The support includes equipment, training and technical expertise aimed at strengthening law enforcement, combating organized crime and improving the justice system’s ability to prosecute transnational criminal groups.
Costa Rica has reported some of the highest drug seizure totals in Central America in recent years. According to MSP data, authorities confiscated nearly 32 tons of cocaine and 15 tons of marijuana in 2024.
The MSP is the national security agency that oversees citizen safety, public order and anti-crime efforts.
Thousands of revellers packed Berga's main square as fire-devil performers showered the crowd with sparks during Catalonia's UNESCO-listed La Patum fe...
Iran and Israel said on Monday (8 June) they had halted attacks on each other following an appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump, as Axios reported...
At least 37 people have died after a powerful earthquake struck the southern Philippines, as rescuers continued searching a collapsed commercial build...
The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has accused the U.S. of preventing Iranian supporters from attending the country's World Cup ...
Iran and Israel have halted strikes on each other, but Tehran has warned it will recommence attacks if Israel continues military action in Lebanon. U...
Thousands of revellers packed Berga's main square as fire-devil performers showered the crowd with sparks during Catalonia's UNESCO-listed La Patum festival.
Iran and Israel said on Monday (8 June) they had halted attacks on each other following an appeal from U.S. President Donald Trump, as Axios reported that Trump had privately told Benjamin Netanyahu “be careful, or you will be on your own very soon”.
The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has accused the U.S. of preventing Iranian supporters from attending the country's World Cup matches after its allocation of tickets was withdrawn just days before the tournament begins.
The United States has added some of China's biggest technology and automotive companies, including Alibaba, Baidu, BYD and Nio, to a Pentagon list of firms it believes are linked to Beijing's military.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party has won the Armenian elections, picking up nearly half the vote. With a majority in parliament, Pashinyan is set for a third term as Prime Minister. But an opposition politican has said he will challenge the election results.
The results of Armenia’s parliamentary elections will determine the makeup of the National Assembly and shape the country's political direction for the foreseeable future. But in Armenia, the final result is not decided by vote percentages alone. Here's how it works.
Barcelona is preparing to mark a historic milestone in the legacy of architect Antoni Gaudí as Pope Leo XIV visits the city this week to inaugurate the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família basilica, almost exactly 100 years after the visionary architect’s death.
Iran and Israel have halted strikes on each other, but Tehran has warned it will recommence attacks if Israel continues military action in Lebanon. U.S. President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun have meanwhile made pleas for peace.
A powerful earthquake struck off the southern Philippine island of Mindanao on Monday (8 June), killing at least 32 people and triggering tsunami warnings across the region.
At least 37 people have died after a powerful earthquake struck the southern Philippines, as rescuers continued searching a collapsed commercial building for survivors in General Santos on Tuesday.
The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has accused the U.S. of preventing Iranian supporters from attending the country's World Cup matches after its allocation of tickets was withdrawn just days before the tournament begins.
The United States has added some of China's biggest technology and automotive companies, including Alibaba, Baidu, BYD and Nio, to a Pentagon list of firms it believes are linked to Beijing's military.
The Democratic Republic of Congo's latest Ebola outbreak has claimed more than 100 lives, with health authorities warning that armed conflict and attacks on aid workers are hindering efforts to contain the disease.
Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan has been denied entry to the United States, preventing him from taking part in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and ending what would have been a historic moment for Somali football.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment