'Diablo', drug trafficker wanted by the US, is arrested in operation in Costa Rica

The operation that arrested Diablo took place in the Sarapiquí region, close to the border with Nicaragua. The action was carried out by the country's organized crime unit, according to the Judicial Investigation Body.

Monge was arrested after about an hour of operation, but five officers were injured, one of them seriously. The action was described as "high risk" and the injured victim was taken to a hospital in San José, 100 km from the place where the drug trafficker was arrested.

The action also ended with one person dead and another person arrested. Ríos Oconitrillo, known as "Coco Guásimo", allegedly exchanged gunfire with police officers when he was shot and died at the scene of the operation.

At least five rifles were seized from the suspects. Pistols and drone monitoring equipment were also among the items collected.

On the run since 2016, "Diablo" is considered one of the most dangerous criminals in Costa Rica. He is responsible for a series of violent crimes and, according to local authorities, has the "ability to escape police operations", with threats and bribes to agents.

The United States government has already offered a reward of US$500,000 (R$2.5 million) for information leading to Diablo. The amount was offered by the Department of Justice and the anti-drug agency, in coordination with the Costa Rican Public Ministry.

According to the US, the man is responsible for transporting hundreds of kilos of cocaine originating in Colombia into the country. The government also stated that the man has criminal cells in all provinces of Costa Rica.

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