In a joint operation between the Costa Rican Coast Guard and US authorities, a vessel named “Lexus” was apprehended in the South Pacific, 24 kilometers off Cape Matapalo. Acting on a tip from a US Maritime Patrol Air Patrol, the 38-foot-long boat with foreign registration CP-01-3333 was intercepted, leading to a dramatic 12-hour chase resulting in the confiscation of approximately 1,724 kilos of marijuana and 36 kilos of cocaine.
Costa Rica strictly prohibits recreational marijuana use, allowing only medicinal purposes. The boat, crewed by two Nicaraguan nationals, a 44-year-old captain, and a 27-year-old, was found to have irregular status in Costa Rica.
The successful operation follows a recent victory for the Colombian Coast Guard, who seized nearly two tons of cocaine on the Pacific coast just two weeks ago (Read the article here). With the detained crew members now facing drug trafficking charges, the collaboration between the Costa Rican Coast Guard and US authorities underscores the significance of international cooperation in combating transnational criminal activities.
