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Luis Grijalba, 43, wanted in the US for exporting cocaine from Costa Rica, travelled to London to ring in the New Year with his wife, Estefania McDonald Rodriguez.
Drug cartel kingpin Luis Grijalba with wife Estefania in Paris | Image/X
A drug cartel kingpin, who survived two assassination attempts in the past, was arrested in the UK after agents tracked his wife’s social media posts on their luxurious foreign travel.
Luis Grijalba, 43, wanted in the US for exporting cocaine from Costa Rica, travelled to London to ring in the New Year with his wife, Estefania McDonald Rodriguez.
However, their glamourous getaway ended with arrest after the American Drug Enforcement Administration agents tracked his wife’s social media posts about visits to the UK and Paris.
In one post, Grijalba and his wife, seen in a cream fur-collared coat, were pictured in front of the Eiffel Tower. The couple then travelled to the UK where Grijalba was spotted near London Bridge.
The US agency had to get hold of Grijalba while he was out of Costa Rica, as the nation usually bars extradition of its own.
The National Crime Agency officers arrested Grijalba in London. Randall Zúñiga, from Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency, noted that Grijalba, usually cautious and travelling separately from his wife, appeared overly relaxed this time, allowing authorities to act.
“His wife travelled out of the country a lot and posted about it on social media. They went to Colombia and Europe a lot. They had recorded several trips. She uploaded a lot of photos. The DEA had been following Grijalba for several months and was waiting for the international arrest warrant to be ready,” he said.
“They informed us of the arrest, but it was their job. There was no open case in Costa Rica for which he could be arrested,” Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency officer said.
Luxurious Travel
Rodriguez posted social media content showcasing her travels, including luxury hotels, iconic landmarks, and beach photos with parrots.
Meanwhile, Luis Grijalba, facing charges in the US for cocaine trafficking, is contesting his extradition. His case was adjourned until next month.
A NCA spokesman told The Sun: “Luis Picado Grijalba, 43, was arrested in the London Bridge area on December 29 and remanded into custody. Extradition proceedings are ongoing.”
He has already faced two assassination attempts in Costa Rica. Costa Rica drug murders have increased by a staggering 60 per cent in a decade.
- Location :
London, United Kingdom (UK)
