Costa Rican authorities have arrested the country’s most wanted drug trafficker, Alejandro Arias Monge, widely known as “El Diablo,” ending a decade-long manhunt that also made him one of the United States’ most wanted fugitives. The operation took place on Friday in Sarapiquí, northeastern Costa Rica, following an intense gun battle between security forces and members of his criminal network.
According to the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ), the nearly hour-long operation resulted in the arrest of Arias Monge and another alleged gang leader, Jonathan Pérez, alias “Tan.” A third suspect, Roney Ríos Oconitrillo, known as “Coco Guácimo,” was killed during the exchange of gunfire. Eight police officers were injured, two of them seriously, while authorities seized assault rifles, pistols, drones and surveillance equipment from the hideout.
The U.S. Department of State had previously offered a $500,000 reward for information leading to Arias Monge’s arrest, alleging that he led a violent transnational criminal organisation involved in cocaine trafficking from Colombia through Central America toward the United States. Costa Rican investigators also link his organisation to hundreds of killings, money laundering, robbery and other organised crimes that have fuelled the country’s recent surge in violence.
Costa Rica’s Attorney General, Carlo Díaz, described the operation as one of the most significant law enforcement successes in the country’s recent history, praising officers for dismantling a major criminal network despite fierce resistance. The OIJ said the arrest followed years of intelligence gathering and coordinated efforts with prosecutors and international partners.
Authorities believe the capture of “El Diablo” will significantly weaken one of Costa Rica’s most powerful drug trafficking organisations. Investigations are continuing as officials pursue other members of the network and assess possible extradition proceedings linked to the U.S. drug trafficking charges against Arias Monge.
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