In a jaw-dropping takedown, a massive cocaine smuggling ring—using banana and fruit containers to ship drugs from Costa Rica to Europe—was dismantled this week! Dubbed “PURGA-CALIPSO GUANACASTE,” the explosive sting was part of the cross-border GDIN project, led by Spain’s Guardia Civil, Portugal’s PJ, Costa Rica’s Drug Control Police, and backed by Europol.
- 37 suspects arrested across four countries – 12 in Costa Rica, 13 in Spain, 7 in Portugal, and 5 in Germany.
- A whopping 5,408 kilos of cocaine seized—enough to fill a small locker!
- Authorities immobilized 146 properties and froze 280 bank accounts tied to the cartel.
How They Hid It
This crime gang camouflaged the drugs in fruit crates, yuca pulp, cardboard layers—even inside fake veg—then shipped to major EU ports: Leixões, Antwerp, Rotterdam, and Hamburg.
Major Busts by Country
- Costa Rica: 7 seizures, 1,891 kg
- Spain: 4 busts, 1,141 kg — including a 350 kg container at Seville
- Portugal: 5 raids, 731 kg
- Netherlands: 4 hauls, 733 kg
- Belgium: 5 interceptions, 840 kg
- Germany: 2 seizures, 60 kg
High-Value Targets Nabbed
Two top-tier cartel bosses flagged by Europol were among those arrested—one in Spain, one back in Costa Rica. In the June 11 Costa Rican raids, 20 locations (homes and industrial sites) were searched, with the mastermind himself apprehended.
This sweeping operation, coordinated from Spain’s National Court and executed by multiple Guardia Civil units, Portugal’s Judicial Police, Costa Rican forces, and Europol, is hailed as one of Europe’s most significant drug busts in years.
This isn’t just busting fruit smugglers—it’s a seismic blow to a transatlantic drug empire designed to dodge taxes and law enforcement since 2019. Authorities warn this signal sends, “We will follow the money—and the fruit—anywhere.”
