Q COSTARICA — The Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) — Judicial Investigation Agency, confirmed that the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) issued international alerts to locate and arrest Jeydi Smith De la O, wife of extradited drug trafficker Edwin López Vega, alias “Pecho de Rata”, and Chonta Mullins, a model and former beauty pageant contestant implicated in the Riverside case.
The two women are wanted by Costa Rican authorities for their alleged connection to the criminal organization that, according to the investigation, operated for several years from Limón, moving shipments of cocaine and marijuana both within and outside the country.
The international alert aims to ensure that any migratory movements of the suspects are detected by the police authorities of Interpol member countries, allowing for their location, arrest, and eventual extradition or transfer to Costa Rica to face the corresponding legal proceedings.
According to Michael Soto, acting director of the OIJ, the last known location of both women is Switzerland.
Authorities had planned to arrest them during the raids carried out in the early morning of June 24 as part of the massive Riverside operation; however, by that time, they were already outside the country.
“Considering that some kind of mobilization may occur, we have coordinated directly with Interpol to issue an alert that, should they move by any means, whether through airports or border crossings, they will be detained, and we will be informed so we can coordinate accordingly,” Soto explained.
According to immigration records analyzed by investigators, Jeydi Smith left Costa Rica on June 17, while Chonta Mullins left the country on March 23.
Smith, 29, married López Vega on February 17 of this year while the alleged drug trafficker was incarcerated at La Reforma prison awaiting extradition to the United States.
López Vega was finally handed over to U.S. authorities, along with Celso Gamboa, on March 20 to face charges related to international drug trafficking, the first Costa Ricans extradited to the United States.
The OIJ investigation places Smith as a trusted individual within the organization led by López Vega. Investigators believe she performed duties related to managing financial resources, handling assets, depositing money, and safeguarding funds allegedly derived from illicit activities.
Mullins, also 29 and known for her participation in pageants such as Miss Costa Rica and Miss Universe Costa Rica, is identified by authorities as an apparent front for the criminal organization. According to the investigation, she is allegedly responsible for managing and safeguarding high-value assets associated with the group.
An organization with assets valued at ¢10 billion colones
The Riverside case is considered one of the biggest recent blows against drug trafficking organizations in Costa Rica. According to the court file, the organization led by López Vega used maritime routes and river mouths in Cahuita (Limón) to bring in large shipments of cocaine and marijuana from South America.
Authorities maintain that the group had ties to the Colombian criminal organization known as “Los Costeños,” an alliance that allegedly facilitated the receipt of drugs for subsequent distribution within and outside the country.
During the operations, the OIJ seized 84 properties and 106 vehicles linked to the criminal organization. Preliminary estimates indicate that the organization amassed assets close to ₡10 billion (US$22 million).
Among the seized properties are six hotels, a restaurant, a bullring, four tourist rental properties managed through digital platforms, heavy machinery, a gym, a five-a-side soccer field, and dozens of high-end vehicles.
Authorities also seized firearms, cash, drugs, boats, jewelry, cell phones, ammunition, and documents relevant to the investigation. The seizure of approximately 200 head of cattle linked to the group is also expected.
The investigation began in July 2024 for alleged crimes of national and international drug trafficking, money laundering, and the apparent kidnapping of an individual in January 2025, whose whereabouts remain unknown.
According to the most recent official report, the OIJ has arrested 68 people in connection with the Riverside case, including three sons of López Vega, while efforts continue to locate other suspects who remain at large.