Costa Rican authorities intercepted 810 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a banana shipment at the Moín Container Terminal in Limón, destined for the United Kingdom. The seizure was carried out by the Drug Control Police (PCD) and marks the second major drug bust at the port in one week.
The cocaine was concealed in banana boxes inside a container at the Moín terminal, a key export hub for bananas and pineapples. Vice Minister of Public Security Manuel Jiménez stated that advanced scanners first cleared the shipment electronically, but a trained police dog flagged the container, leading to the discovery of 810 packages of cocaine.
Since 2019, European ports have seized 88,000 kilograms of cocaine from Costa Rica, underscoring the country's role as a transshipment point for cartels moving drugs from Colombia to Europe and North America. In 2024, Costa Rica recorded 27,000 kilograms of cocaine seized, 5,600 kilograms more than in 2023.
The seizure forms part of Operation Soberanía, a program launched in 2023 to strengthen port security through scanners, canine units, and international cooperation. Security Minister Mario Zamora highlighted partnerships with Spanish and Portuguese authorities in tracking shipments. Recent seizures included 120 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a truck at Moín and two tons intercepted off the coast of Limón.
Authorities note that traffickers frequently conceal cocaine within legitimate exports such as bananas. Investigations into the exporting company and supply chain are ongoing, although no arrests have been reported in this case.
The province of Limón remains heavily affected by organized crime, with the Judicial Investigation Agency reporting that 90% of homicides in the area are linked to drug trafficking. Nationwide, homicides increased by 38% in 2023, largely concentrated in Limón. In response, Costa Rica approved a constitutional reform in May 2025, allowing the extradition of nationals involved in drug trafficking.
Despite investments in security infrastructure, including scanner technology supported by international partners, traffickers continue to adapt. Authorities stress the importance of multiple detection methods, combining profiling techniques, scanning equipment, and canine alerts to intercept shipments.
Source: TicoTimes