Latest news with #MarioZamora
Toronto Sun
23-05-2025
- Toronto Sun
Costa Rica police seize 5 capybaras, crack cocaine and marijuana from fleeing vehicle
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica (AP) — Costa Rican police seized five capybaras, crack cocaine and marijuana after chasing down a fleeing vehicle on a highway along the Central American country's Pacific coast on Thursday. Article content The large rodents are a semi-aquatic South American relative of the guinea pig and happen to be having a moment on social platforms. But they are not native to Costa Rica, and the Public Security Ministry said Thursday that possessing, transporting or trafficking them is illegal. The agency said it had never recorded another seizure of the animals. Two men in the vehicle, who both had criminal records, were arrested. 'The police action was important and shows the concurrence where the drug world coincides with the introduction of non-native species,' Security Minister Mario Zamora said. The capybaras were turned over to the National System of Conservation Areas to be evaluated by veterinarians. As a non-native species they can't be released in Costa Rica so they will be taken to a refuge for environmental and conservation education programs.
CBS News
23-05-2025
- CBS News
Police chase in Costa Rica ends with seizure of cocaine, marijuana, knives — and 5 massive swimming rodents
Cat used in attempt to smuggle drugs into prison in Costa Rica Cat used in attempt to smuggle drugs into prison in Costa Rica Costa Rican police seized crack cocaine, marijuana and five capybaras — the largest rodents in the world — after chasing down a fleeing vehicle on a highway along the Central American country's Pacific coast on Thursday. The massive rodents are a semi-aquatic South American relative of the guinea pig and happen to be having a moment on social platforms. But they are not native to Costa Rica, and the Public Security Ministry said Thursday that possessing, transporting or trafficking them is illegal. The agency said it had never recorded another seizure of the animals. The agency released video and images of the creatures being taken away in a crate. Two men in the vehicle, who both had criminal records, were arrested. Costa Rican police seized five capybaras after chasing down a fleeing vehicle on a highway. Costa Rica Public Security Ministry "The police action was important and shows the concurrence where the drug world coincides with the introduction of non-native species," Security Minister Mario Zamora said. Authorities said that in addition to the animals and drugs, knives and plastic spurs were seized. The capybaras were turned over to the National System of Conservation Areas to be evaluated by veterinarians. As a non-native species, they can't be released in Costa Rica so they will be taken to a refuge for environmental and conservation education programs. "This is the first recorded case of illegal capybara trafficking in Costa Rica, marking a milestone in the fight against the illegal wildlife trade," the Public Security Ministry said in a statement. According to WWF, the average size of capybaras is about 108 pounds, or roughly the size of an adult wolf. Capybaras have webbed feet and nostrils on top of their head, which helps them to swim fast and stay mostly submerged for long periods of time. The unusual drug bust in Costa Rica comes just days after prison guards in the country intercepted a drug-smuggling cat as it jumped over the periphery fence at night with marijuana and crack taped to its body.
The Independent
23-05-2025
- The Independent
Police seize five capybaras and crack cocaine after car chase
Costa Rican police seized five capybaras, crack cocaine and marijuana after chasing down a fleeing vehicle on a highway along the Central American country's Pacific coast on Thursday. The large rodents are a semi-aquatic South American relative of the guinea pig and happen to be having a moment on social platforms. But they are not native to Costa Rica, and the Public Security Ministry said Thursday that possessing, transporting or trafficking them is illegal. The agency said it had never recorded another seizure of the animals. Two men in the vehicle, who both had criminal records, were arrested. "The police action was important and shows the concurrence where the drug world coincides with the introduction of non-native species," Security Minister Mario Zamora said. The capybaras were turned over to the National System of Conservation Areas to be evaluated by veterinarians. As a non-native species they can't be released in Costa Rica so they will be taken to a refuge for environmental and conservation education programs. Earlier this year Peruvian police arrested a suspected drug dealer by disguising himself as a cuddly capybara. A day before Valentine's Day, an officer disguised himself as a stuffed capybara and descended on a street in the capital, accompanied by two policewomen carrying "gifts." In Peru, it is common for people to dress as teddy bears and other characters to deliver gifts on special dates. Police said the operation lured the suspect out of his house, where he was quickly apprehended. Col. Pedro Rojas, Chief of the 'Green Squadron' division of Peru's Police, which carried out the operation, said officers later searched the house and found a "large quantity" of cocaine as well as marijuana. This operation was not the first in which officers from the squadron disguised themselves to arrest suspected drug dealers.
23-05-2025
Costa Rica police seize 5 capybaras, crack cocaine and marijuana from fleeing vehicle
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica -- Costa Rican police seized five capybaras, crack cocaine and marijuana after chasing down a fleeing vehicle on a highway along the Central American country's Pacific coast on Thursday. The large rodents are a semi-aquatic South American relative of the guinea pig and happen to be having a moment on social platforms. But they are not native to Costa Rica, and the Public Security Ministry said Thursday that possessing, transporting or trafficking them is illegal. The agency said it had never recorded another seizure of the animals. Two men in the vehicle, who both had criminal records, were arrested. 'The police action was important and shows the concurrence where the drug world coincides with the introduction of non-native species,' Security Minister Mario Zamora said. The capybaras were turned over to the National System of Conservation Areas to be evaluated by veterinarians. As a non-native species they can't be released in Costa Rica so they will be taken to a refuge for environmental and conservation education programs.
Vancouver Sun
23-05-2025
- Vancouver Sun
Costa Rica police seize 5 capybaras and drugs from fleeing vehicle
SAN JOSE, Costa Rica — Costa Rican police seized five capybaras, crack cocaine and marijuana after chasing down a fleeing vehicle on a highway along the Central American country's Pacific coast on Thursday. The large rodents are a semi-aquatic South American relative of the guinea pig and happen to be having a moment on social platforms. But they are not native to Costa Rica, and the Public Security Ministry said Thursday that possessing, transporting or trafficking them is illegal. The agency said it had never recorded another seizure of the animals. Two men in the vehicle, who both had criminal records, were arrested. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. 'The police action was important and shows the concurrence where the drug world coincides with the introduction of non-native species,' Security Minister Mario Zamora said. The capybaras were turned over to the National System of Conservation Areas to be evaluated by veterinarians. As a non-native species they can't be released in Costa Rica so they will be taken to a refuge for environmental and conservation education programs. Our website is the place for the latest breaking news, exclusive scoops, longreads and provocative commentary. Please bookmark and sign up for our newsletters here .
