Costa Rica Arrests Alleged Drug Boss 'Diablo' Wanted By U.S.
Costa Rica captured fugitive Alejandro Arias-Monge, known as "Diablo," on Friday, July 24, 2026, in a raid that left six federal agents injured and one in serious condition.[1]
Officials said the arrest followed an hourlong operation that also produced two additional arrests and the seizure of high-powered firearms.[1] The U.S. State Department had offered a $500,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.[1] The Drug Enforcement Administration says his group trafficked drugs into the United States through Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico.[1]
U.S. prosecutors and the DEA had identified Arias-Monge as a priority target and charged him in connection with a trafficking network that moved cocaine and other drugs toward the United States, which helped drive international cooperation on his capture.[1]
Authorities said the operation lasted about an hour and remains under investigation as officials determine next legal steps.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Friday, July 24, 2026, Costa Rica captured fugitive Alejandro Arias-Monge, alias 'Diablo'.
- Six Costa Rican federal agents were injured in the hourlong arrest operation, with one in serious condition.
- The U.S. State Department had offered a $500,000 bounty, and DEA says his group trafficked drugs into the United States via Colombia, Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico.
- Two additional suspects were arrested and high-powered firearms were seized during the raid.
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