Crackdown on illegal mining in northern Costa Rica: Public Force arrested 12 people in recent operations

The fight against illegal mining in Crucitas, on the northern border of Costa Rica, continues to intensify. In recent days, the Public Force managed to arrest 12 people linked to these illicit activities, in a series of operations carried out in different parts of this conflictive area of the canton of San Carlos. According to official information, the majority of those arrested are Nicaraguan citizens who were carrying out illegal gold extraction activities within the national territory. These individuals were referred to the Prosecutor's Office of San Carlos, where they could face charges for alleged violation of the Mining Code, which could lead to criminal sanctions as established by Costa Rican law. Authorities face adverse weather conditions and complex terrains during operations on the northern border. Courtesy: Ministry of Public Security The rest of those apprehended were intercepted while heading towards clandestine extraction points. In these cases, the authorities determined that they remained in an irregular migratory condition, so they were placed under the order of the General Directorate of Migration and Foreign Affairs to begin their deportation process to Nicaragua.

Crucitas has established itself in recent years as one of the main focuses of illegal mining in Costa Rica. This activity not only represents a growing challenge in terms of security, but also generates a significant impact on the environment, affecting ecosystems of high ecological value. Artisanal extraction, without technical controls or regulations, causes soil degradation, deforestation, and the contamination of water sources, especially through the use of toxic substances such as mercury.

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Among the items seized are tools such as shovels, rotary hammers, and machinery used for clandestine mining. Courtesy: Ministry of Public Security In addition to this, there is the presence of organized groups that, according to authorities, operate behind these illegal activities, which further complicates the situation. The dynamics in the area have forced the Costa Rican State to reinforce surveillance and maintain a constant presence of police forces. Faced with this scenario, the Public Force maintains permanent operations in the area, with a 24-hour presence. Officers must face particularly difficult conditions, such as heavy rains, muddy and difficult-to-access terrain, as well as the constant mobility of those involved in illegal mining, which makes their location and capture difficult. Most of those apprehended were engaged in illegal gold extraction activities within Costa Rican territory. Courtesy: Ministry of Public Security

As part of these actions, the seizure of multiple tools and equipment used for gold extraction was also achieved. Among the seized items are rotary hammers, shovels, metal bars, tumbler-type machines, power plants and submersible pumps, among other key implements for these clandestine operations.

The withdrawal of these supplies represents a significant blow to the organizations operating in the area, as it limits their ability to continue with illegal extractive activities. However, the authorities recognize that the phenomenon is complex, dynamic, and persistent, which requires sustained interventions over time and inter-institutional coordination. Illegal mining in Crucitas continues to generate a strong environmental impact in one of the most sensitive areas of the country. Courtesy: Ministry of Public Security The presence of gold miners in Crucitas has been a constant in recent years, largely driven by economic and social factors in the border region. The lack of job opportunities and proximity to Nicaragua have contributed to many people seeing gold extraction as an alternative to generate income, despite the legal and environmental risks involved.

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In this context, the authorities reiterated that the operations will continue to be carried out permanently, with the aim of protecting the country's natural resources, preserving the affected ecosystems, and ensuring compliance with current legislation. Furthermore, they called on citizens to report any suspicious activity related to illegal mining, emphasizing that citizen collaboration is key to addressing this problem that affects both the environment and national security.