65 raids result in 53 arrests and nine police officers under investigation for alleged links to a criminal organization

Q COSTA RICA — The Policía de Control de Drogas (PCD) — Drug Control Police — and the Ministry of Public Security deployed one of the largest anti-drug trafficking operations ever recorded in the country on Monday,, carrying out 65 simultaneous raids aimed at dismantling a criminal organization accused of sending large shipments of cocaine through the port of Moín, in Limón. During a preliminary report, authorities stated that the investigation targeted 63 people, of which 49 were arrested so far and the Ministry of Public Security described the operation as a “historic” event and asserted that it represents one of the most significant blows dealt by the PCD in recent years. According to official information, the criminal organization is allegedly responsible for trafficking large shipments of cocaine, using the port of Moín, Limón, as a departure point, with destinations in Europe and the United States.

In the last two years alone, the PCD seized more than 14 tons of drugs that investigations attribute to this organization. Authorities also indicated that the alleged leaders of the organization are Melanie Fabiola Bell Ramirez and her husband, Joseph Eduardo Casanova Duartes, the daughter and son-in-law of Gilbert Bell Fernández, alias “Macho Coca,” a name historically linked to drug trafficking investigations in Costa Rica. One of the most striking findings during the investigation was the alleged involvement of nine police officers, who apparently belonged to the organization or collaborated with its illicit operations.

Authorities seized cash, 12 firearms, 14 magazines, 421 rounds of ammunition of various calibers, eight vehicles, two motorcycles, and several private security uniforms. The raids were carried out in different provinces with the participation of specialized teams, after several months of intelligence and investigative work. The Ministry of Security indicated that the main objective was to completely dismantle the organization’s logistical and operational structure, as well as to bring all suspects linked to the network to justice.

Meanwhile, the Government insisted that this operation demonstrates its strategy to combat drug trafficking and the corruption networks that facilitate its operations within the country. Casanova and Melanie Bell Ramírez, Macho Coca’s daughter, are on the run following the raids carried out early Monday morning.