Authorities seize 406 kilograms of cocaine

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May 22nd, 2013 (Infosurhoy) Costa Rican authorities seized a shipment of 406 kilograms of cocaine that was hidden in a truck bound for Nicaragua, the Drug Control Police (PCD) said in a prepared statement.

The vehicle was stopped at the northern border crossing of Peñas Blancas, where the truck’s driver – a 52-year-old who has been identified by the last names of Velásquez Ramírez – was arrested on suspicion of international drug trafficking on May 19.

Anti-drug Commissioner Celso Gamboa said counter-narcotics agents have their “guard up,” as the Central American nation has become a transit route for drugs flowing northbound toward Mexico and the United States.

Nearly 90% of the cocaine that reaches the United States comes through Mexico and Central America, according the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board.

Costa Rican authorities have seized more than five tons of cocaine so far this year after confiscating 15.5 tons in 2012 and 7.3 tons in 2011.