Costa Rica’s National Coast Guard, working with the Judicial Investigation Agency, intercepted a suspect boat in South Pacific waters during a dawn operation.[1] Officers detained two Colombian crew members, identified only by the surnames Rovira and Cordoba, and held them in police custody pending judicial investigation.[1]

Officers found about 60 bales holding about 20 packets each, a load authorities estimated at more than a tonne of suspected drugs.[1] The seized load included apparent cocaine and marijuana.[2] The judicial-police account described the boat as coming from Colombia with an estimated tonne load of cocaine.[3] The boat also carried 23 fuel drums thought to have been for long-range travel at sea.[1]

Officers also blocked a second boat that approached the boarding site, which authorities said may belong to the same criminal structure.[1] The detainees, the load and the seized goods were taken to Golfito for judicial processing under judicial supervision, with the OIJ directing further inquiries.[1] Coast Guard director Juan Carlos Alvarado said officers’ immediate response kept the load from entering national territory.[1]