During one anti-drug operation, agents from the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) found a hydroponic marijuana farm in Limón Province.

The hydroponics growing method is a type of horticulture and a subset of hydroculture that involves growing plants without soil, by using water-based mineral nutrient solutions. 

According to the police report, the agents were at the property located in the Ojo de Agua District, as part of an investigation of a murder case.

Officers raided the property and found more than 60 marijuana plants.

In addition, they found a warehouse where there was a briefcase with 9 packages of cocaine weighing one kilo each, three AR-15-type firearms, 12-gauge shotguns, ammunition boxes and weapons chargers.

Officers seized the guns, drugs, plants, and equipment for growing the plants as part of the evidence in the case.

No suspect has been arrested. 

Police ask people to report any suspected marijuana farms by calling the confidential bilingual 10-digit tip line at 800-8000-645.

Last year, the government legalized medicinal and therapeutic cannabis and hemp for food and industrial use. But, recreational use, self-cultivation and self-consumption of the cannabis plant are still illegal in Costa Rica.

In November 2022, the Ministry of Agriculture authorized the first company to grow and process hemp. The firm is located in Guanacaste Province and seeks to grow about 150 hectares of hemp.

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