Luis Grijalba, a 43-year-old drug lord wanted in the United States for cocaine trafficking from Costa Rica, has been arrested in the UK after his wife, Estefania McDonald Rodriguez, inadvertently revealed their location on social media.
Grijalba, who had previously survived two assassination attempts, traveled to London last year to celebrate New Year with his wife.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had been monitoring McDonald Rodriguez’s social media activity, which included posts from their £16,000 holiday in the UK and Paris. One image featured the couple in front of the Eiffel Tower, while another placed them near London Bridge.
Based on this information, officers from the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) arrested Grijalba near London Bridge on December 29. The NCA confirmed the arrest, stating, “Extradition proceedings are ongoing.”
Randall Zúñiga of Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency remarked on Grijalba’s usual caution during travel, noting that this time he seemed “too relaxed.” He also pointed out that Grijalba’s wife frequently traveled abroad and posted photos from luxury destinations, enabling the DEA to track their movements.
Costa Rican Attorney General Carlo Díaz lauded the arrest, describing Grijalba as a key figure in drug trafficking operations in Limón. Although Grijalba faces no charges in Costa Rica, Díaz emphasized that the DEA intends not only to prosecute him but also to seize his assets, with Costa Rican authorities committed to assisting in the effort.
Grijalba, who is fighting extradition to the United States, is scheduled to have his case heard next month.