Authorities in Costa Rica reported this Saturday that they carried out an operation that allowed the seizure of an aircraft used for drug trafficking and 205 packages of cocaine, in the South Zone of the country. The Ministry of Public Security (MSP) reported that the action was the result of aerial surveillance and a police deployment on the ground, coordinated with the collaboration of the United States, Colombia and Panama during Thursday, April 30.
The alert originated when the
Joint Operations Center of the MSP received international information about the irregular entry of an unregistered aircraft into Costa Rican airspace. Faced with this notice, the Air Surveillance Service (SVA) mobilized resources to the south, while the Border Police, the National Coast Guard Service (SNG), the Drug Control Police and the Public Force were located at strategic points in
Golfito,
Pavones,
Coto 47 and other nearby sectors, in the event of a clandestine landing.
In the air, the local police aircraft located the target and tracked it until the
suspicious vessel made a forced landing in a grassland area without adequate conditions, which led to its precipitation.
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Anti-drug cooperation between Costa Rica, the United States, Colombia, and Panama allowed the interception of a drug aircraft in a joint security effort. (Courtesy: Ministry of Public Security)
Despite the extensive search operation, the crew of the aircraft managed to escape. The MSP confirmed that units of the SNG Special Operations Group (GOPES), along with Border Police and Public Force personnel, were deployed to the site within minutes, securing the area for judicial proceedings.
The scene was secured by the Drug Control Police, with the support of the Anti-Drug Special Response Tactical Group (G-3), while evidence was collected for the investigation.
An international cooperation
The Ministry of Public Security highlighted that
the operation was possible thanks to the articulation of efforts with authorities from the United States, Colombia, and Panama. International coordination allowed for an immediate and timely response to the threat to Costa Rican airspace. The MSP emphasized that:
“Costa Rica maintains a constant offensive against drug trafficking, protecting the national territory and closing the way to criminal organizations that try to introduce drugs into the country”.
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The police action, carried out in coordination with regional strategic partners, reinforces the ethical stance against transnational organized crime. The operation, led by the Ministry of Public Security, included aerial surveillance, ground deployment, and judicial procedures, demonstrating the capacity to respond to complex threats. The Drug Control Police, the National Coast Guard Service, and the Public Force secured the area and the evidence after the escape of the crew. (Courtesy: Ministry of Public Security)
The MSP thanked the support of the collaborating countries, underlining that regional cooperation is key to confronting drug trafficking and other cross-border criminal activities. According to the institution, “the articulation of regional efforts will continue to be a priority to protect the security of the country and the region.”
Fugitive Crew
“Despite the extensive search operation deployed in the area, it was not possible to locate the crew members of the aircraft, who fled after landing,” said Manuel Jiménez Steller, Deputy Minister of Public Security.
The investigation to determine the identity of the crew members and the origin of the drugs remains open, according to the official.
