Costa Rica police dismantle violent drug gang linked to 'Diablo' in Osa

On 2 July 2026 the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) carried out simultaneous raids in Ciudad Cortés de Osa as part of the "Caso Triángulo" operation. The raids resulted in the arrest of 13 suspects belonging to a criminal group known as "La Jota" that had been posing as a cell of the notorious drug trafficker Alejandro Arias Monge, alias “Diablo”, to intimidate rival sellers.

Authorities say the gang was involved in local drug trafficking, attempted homicides and attacks on police. During a prior chase a suspect vehicle attempted to ram an OIJ patrol, overturning and allowing officers to seize an AR‑15 rifle, a .30‑30 rifle and ammunition. The OIJ continues to investigate the extent of the relationship between La Jota and the larger “Diablo” network, which is believed to have supplied drugs to the local market.