The following is a summary of safety-related incidents reported in September, based on local news, including homicides, robberies, and natural disasters.
San José Province
• 29-Year-Old Man Stabbed to Death (Homicide)
On September 7 at 4:30 AM, a 29-year-old man was found stabbed on a street in La Uruca, San José. He had already passed away when the Red Cross arrived. The victim was a former inmate.
• 48-Year-Old Man and 33-Year-Old Woman Shot to Death (Homicide)
On September 8 at 11:30 PM, three men entered a bar in Barrio Luján, San José, and shot a 48-year-old male DJ, killing him. A 33-year-old woman inside the bar was also shot and killed, while three other men and one woman were injured. The DJ was celebrating a friend’s birthday at the time of the attack.
• Drug Cartel Leader Arrested (Drug-Related Incident)
On September 17, a 55-year-old man, the leader of a local drug cartel tied to Colombia’s “Clan del Golfo,” was arrested at a home in Ciudad Quesada, Mora. The cartel smuggled drugs abroad hidden in cassava and pineapple boxes and engaged in money laundering. Some members included pastors, bank employees, and banana exporters.
Limón Province
• 29.2 Kilograms of Cocaine Found in Container (Drug-Related Incident)
On September 2, 29.2 kilograms of cocaine were found in a vegetable container destined for Spain at Moín Port in Limón.
• 40 Kilograms of Cocaine Found in Container (Drug-Related Incident)
On September 3, 40 kilograms of cocaine were discovered in a container bound for Italy at Moín Port.
• Unidentified Male Body Found (Homicide)
On September 7 at 7 AM, an unidentified man was found stabbed and beaten in Siquirres, Limón. His body was discarded in a black plastic bag on top of a mattress.
• 1,374 Kilograms of Cocaine Found in Container (Drug-Related Incident)
On September 16, 1,374 kilograms of cocaine were discovered in a container of cassava bound for Belgium at Moín Port. The drugs bypassed scanning but were detected by sniffer dogs.
• Three Arrested After Gunfight (Shooting Incident)
On September 17 at 12:40 PM, a gunfight erupted in front of an elementary school in Pocora, Guácimo, between two men on a motorcycle and another man in a car. Police arrested a 15-year-old, a 19-year-old, and a 34-year-old male.
Puntarenas Province
• Trailer Hijacking: Four Arrested (Robbery)
On September 4, a Salvadoran truck driver was robbed in Montes de Oro, and his trailer was stolen. Police found the trailer and arrested four men after they attempted to flee the scene.
• Cocaine Found Tied to Buoy at Sea (Drug-Related Incident)
On September 10, the coast guard found 677 kilograms of cocaine and 30 kilograms of marijuana tied to a buoy 15 miles off the coast of Golfo Dulce.
Alajuela Province
• 23-Year-Old Man Shot Dead (Homicide)
On September 5, a 23-year-old security guard was shot and killed at a hydropower plant in Peñas Blancas, San Ramón. The motive appears to be a robbery attempt for the victim’s firearm.
• 17-Year-Old Boy Shot Dead (Homicide)
On September 12 at 9:30 PM, a 17-year-old was shot while attempting to flee from a parked car that was fired upon in Orotina. Five suspects were arrested shortly after.
Cartago Province
• Two Men Found Shot Dead (Homicide)
On September 20, two men, aged 24 and 27, were found shot in the mountains of Cartago. Despite being taken to the hospital, both succumbed to their injuries.
Guanacaste Province
• Suspected ISIS Member Arrested
In mid-September, a Tajik national suspected of ISIS ties was detained in northern Costa Rica. The individual is expected to be deported to his home country.
• 25-Year-Old Man Shot Dead (Homicide)
On September 24 at 6 PM, two men on a motorcycle entered a house in Nicoya and shot a 25-year-old man and his 44-year-old mother. The man died shortly after being transported to a hospital, and the woman sustained serious injuries.
Heredia Province
• ATM Found in Private Residence (Robbery)
On September 20, an ATM stolen from a bank in Sarapiquí was found in a private residence. The cash had been removed, with losses estimated at 23.5 million colones.
• Two Arrested for Fraud (Fraud Incident)
On September 24, a 30-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were arrested for repeated fraud involving fake payment proofs on social media. Multiple victims have come forward.
Additional Information
• Yellow Fever Vaccination
As of December 27, travelers entering Costa Rica from countries or regions at risk of yellow fever transmission must present a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (Yellow Card) upon entry. The list of applicable countries has been updated. Please check the official website:
Health Ministry URL.
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