After 40 raids carried out this Tuesday by the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ), the authorities explained the modus operandi of a gang led by subject known as “Tío” (uncle).
The police actions were conducted in Hatillo, San Sebastián, Alajuelita, Heredia and Santa Ana. The drug-dealing organization manages a fleet of informal taxis in Hatillo, Alajuelita and San Sebastián. Similarly, it operated a network of illegal loans with threats or extortion to those who did not pay the installments.
The leader is identified as Edgar Marcia Cruz, alias “Tío”, who has been linked to drug trafficking for 15 years. Authorities suspect that Marcia operated at some point for Marco Zamora Solórzano, also known as “El Indio”, because he supplied to drug dealers in that same area.
The OIJ verified that the suspect has between four and five different houses in other areas and slept in different places every night.
He has four children and has evolved in the drug trade. Since 2003 he was a terminal seller. But he evolved to become an important leader in the south of the capital,”
explained Michael Soto, ai director of the OIJ, who also confirmed that there are 15 people arrested, but nine important elements are yet to be found. One of them, in addition to Marcia, is his wife, Jessica Romero Valverde, who provided important support for the success of the gang.
Tío’s gang sold cocaine, marijuana and ketamine. To that end, it had links with criminal groups in the Caribbean of the country and ensured their success in San José by respecting the territory of other gangs.
There are six vehicles confiscated, 11 million colones in cash, four firearms and several doses of crack. The leader is Edgar Marcia Cruz, 38, who is a Costa Rican with Nicaraguan parents and several homes,”
the police chief added.
The police chief confirmed that Tío became the most wanted person by the OIJ and the Public Force.