Airport Arrest Follows International Manhunt
Costa Rican law enforcement authorities took a significant step in the ongoing ‘Caso Riverside’ investigation this past weekend, detaining a key fugitive at the San Jose International Airport. The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Smith de la O, was intercepted by the Policía Profesional de Migración during routine passport control moments after deplaning from a flight originating in Switzerland.
According to the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería, an active capture order and an Interpol Red Notice had been in place for the suspect regarding her alleged involvement in international drug trafficking. Omer Badilla, the Vice Minister of Gobernación, confirmed that officers stationed at the terminal successfully apprehended the suspect within minutes of her arrival. She was subsequently transferred into the custody of the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) for processing.
Context of the Riverside Case
The arrest marks a notable development in ‘Caso Riverside,’ an extensive anti-organized crime operation spearheaded by Costa Rican prosecutors and the OIJ. The investigation centers on a criminal structure allegedly led by Edwin López Vega, known by the alias ‘Pecho de Rata.’ López Vega was extradited to the United States on March 20, 2026, to face federal drug trafficking charges in the Eastern District of Texas.
Notably, Smith de la O and López Vega were married inside the La Reforma penitentiary shortly before his extradition. Following the primary sweep of the case—which involved 146 coordinated raids and approximately 1,500 judicial agents—authorities identified Smith de la O as a person of confidence within the organization, primarily linked to money laundering activities. She had remained at large abroad, primarily in Switzerland, until this week’s return.
Ongoing Judicial Proceedings
As of late August 2026, the OIJ reports that 68 individuals have been detained in connection with the Riverside file, including several of López Vega’s relatives. Prosecutors from the Fiscalía Adjunta de Legitimación de Capitales y Persecución Patrimonial have requested one year of preventive detention for numerous defendants to ensure the integrity of the judicial process. Smith de la O is currently awaiting her initial hearing, where a judge will determine the appropriateness of precautionary measures.
While this arrest represents a success for international police cooperation, the search continues for a second woman, identified by authorities as Mullings, who remains the subject of an active Interpol alert. The OIJ maintains that the investigation remains open as they continue to pursue additional suspects linked to the criminal network.