The police and judicial authorities carried out two operations on Tuesday to curb down drug trafficking and crime, given the unprecedented numbers of daily homicides, which to date have reached over 800 violent deaths.

This Tuesday the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) raided several sites belonging to a gang involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.

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The operation, named South Caribbean case, allowed the seizing of 290,184 dollars and 3.5 million colones (about six thousand dollars) in cash, two firearms, 10 cell phones, five computers, jewelry, 10 vehicles, four motorcycles and a gym equipment.

OIJ general director Rándall Zúñiga said that apparently the group operated businesses such as bars, gyms, rental of heavy machinery and a bullring, in addition to purchasing personal property and real estate.

A group of four people, members of a gang engaged in the sale and trafficking of fentanyl in the country, one of the most dangerous narcotics to health, was arrested this Wednesday while 1,100 narcotic tablets were seized.

The authorities reported that this is the first time an organization of this type has been dismantled in Costa Rica which is facing a wave of violence with homicide numbers exceeding 800 so far this year.

In the opinion of the authorities, one of the causes of those deaths is drug trafficking in the country, which leads to criminality due to settling scores between gangs, the control of localities and the legitimation of capitals.

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