A U.S. citizen surnamed Figueroa, 52, was arrested in Alajuela at the Juan Santamaría International Airport, SJO, on suspicion of drug trafficking.

According to the Ministry of Security, the expat arrived at the airport intending to travel to Madrid, Spain accompanied by a Costa Rican woman surnamed Cubero, 58.

When they both checked in their baggage, officers detected strange content in the luggage.

Once the suspect handed over his ID, they realized that he has criminal records for a case of drug trafficking and illegal possession of a weapon. The woman had no criminal record, they said.

The Drug Control Police conducted a more detailed inspection where they found 12 packages of coffee. Inside these coffee packages, they had camouflaged the same number of cocaine packages, weighing one kilo each.

Police seized drugs and over $800 in cash that the suspect was carrying as evidence in the case.

Both suspects were taken to the cells of the Public Ministry where they were interrogated by the judicial agents. They await a judge's orders regarding pre-trial measures as charges of being suspects of drug trafficking.

According to the U.S. Embassy, in the case of the arrest of a U.S. citizen, the guidelines include a consular officer visiting an arrested person after being notified by Costa Rican authorities to ascertain the arrestee’s physical well-being and conditions of arrest, providing information on legal procedures, including a list of attorneys, and, if the prisoner wishes, notify family or friends.

"However, consular officers cannot act as attorneys or legal representatives nor affect the release of arrested American citizens," the embassy said in its statement. "If you are arrested, insist that the authorities notify the U.S. Embassy immediately."

Costa Rican authorities are obligated to notify a U.S. consular officer of U.S. citizens' arrest unless the detained person asks otherwise. 

In limited circumstances, consular officers can also serve as a liaison between the arrested person and their family and provide a list of local attorneys, the embassy said.

The U.S. authorities can also assist in the transfer of funds from the arrested person's family or friends to pay attorney fees and for the person's upkeep while incarcerated.

"If you are imprisoned for a lengthy period, a consular officer will visit you periodically, at least once every three to four months," they said.

Another recent case of an expat detained in Costa Rica was a man surnamed Nigh due to an international arrest warrant as a fraud suspect.

The judicial agents call on the population to report any suspicion of drug trafficking to the confidential line 800-8000-645. Their bilingual agents can answer calls in English or Spanish.

-------------
What have you heard about expats arrested in Costa Rica? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com