Officers from the Operational Support Group (Spanish initials: GAO) detained five men suspected of belonging to a criminal group that preyed upon tourists in the Caribbean region of Costa Rica.

The gang reportedly used strong-arm robbery tactics on foreign visitors, many of them from North America and Europe, who visited the communities of Cahuita, Manzanillo and Puerto Viejo, all within the Talamanca canton of the Limon province. This canton is rich in tourism activities for visitors who wish to enjoy the pristine beaches, mountain rainforest, indigenous villages, and Afro Costa Rican culture.

According to an official press release issued by the Ministry of Public Security, Fuerza Publica officers had already conducted surveillance on the five suspects prior to taking them down in the vicinity of Westfalia, near the Matama district.

A complaint by a tourist who was threatened with a firearm before being robbed prompted Fuerza Publica officers to assemble a GAO teams to intercept the gang as they traveled on Route 36. The officers set up roadblocks around Matama, effectively blocking exits and delivering the suspects directly to a GAO team.

The gang was apparently led by a suspect by the last name of Jarquín; others arrested were identified by the last names of García, Rodriguez and Sotela. One suspect is under the age of 18 and thus not identified.

The GAO officers confiscated the gang’s loot, which included smartphones, purses, wallets, wristwatches, and jewelry. Balaclavas and handguns were also confiscated.

In Costa Rica, officers who are assigned to the GAO are trained as a quick reaction force to carry out activities such as serving high-risk warrants, controlling unruly crowds, intervening in civil disturbances, and taking down armed groups. To this effect, GAO officers are organized into special weapons and tactics (SWAT) teams assigned to shifts scheduled around the clock so that they can be quickly called to action.