Yesterday morning, the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) arrested 2 officials from the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) on suspicion of allowing marijuana cultivation in La Amistad National Park. Moreover, a 14-people gang, which is linked to the production of this drug, was dismantled.
According to the OIJ Press Office, on August 5th, 7 suspects were arrested and yesterday morning seven more people were captured: 5 siblings surnamed Vargas and 2 MINAE officials.
The raids were conducted in Pérez Zeledón and Buenos Aires of Puntarenas, where police found 14 sites dedicated to marijuana cultivation.
The investigation started eight months ago but according to Walter Espinoza, director of the OIJ, this gang has operated since 2011.
Espinoza explained that due to the sale of this merchandise, the suspects had acquired several assets, but he didn’t mention which ones.