The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced a major action against a Costa Rica-based cocaine trafficking and money laundering network, designating five Costa Rican nationals and five entities for their role in transporting, storing, and distributing multi-ton shipments of cocaine to the United States and Europe.
Luis Manuel Picado Grijalba, known as “Shock,” identified as the leader of the network, and his brother Jordie Kevin Picado Grijalba, “Noni,” are among the most prolific drug traffickers operating in Costa Rica and the Caribbean. The network maintained direct connections with Colombian cocaine suppliers, managed storage facilities in Costa Rica, and coordinated shipping routes to deliver cocaine internationally.
“The Trump Administration will not allow narcotraffickers to poison Americans,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. “The entire drug trafficking supply chain—from shipping facilitators to money launderers—bears responsibility for American addictions and deaths. We will continue to hold them accountable for the devastation they cause in our homeland.”
The action results from a coordinated investigation led by Homeland Security Task Forces and the DEA’s San José and Dallas offices, in partnership with Costa Rican authorities, including the Office of the Attorney General, Drug Control Police, Office of Judicial Investigation, Public Force, and Financial Intelligence Unit.
Criminal Operations and Arrests
Since the opening of Moín seaport in Limón, Costa Rica, in 2019, traffickers have competed for control of this critical cocaine transshipment hub. Shock and Noni consolidated control over key ports and routes, forming alliances with other traffickers, including Gilbert Hernan de Los Angeles Bell Fernandez and Edwin Danney Lopez Vega, as well as armed hitmen gangs led by Tonny Alexander Pena Russell.
Authorities have disrupted parts of the operation: Shock was arrested in the United Kingdom in December 2024 and is pending extradition to the U.S.; Noni was arrested in Costa Rica in August 2025. Pena Russell was arrested in 2024 and charged with 78 murders, many tied to Shock’s orders. A large-scale Costa Rican police operation in November 2025 led to the arrest of 30 individuals and the seizure of 14 tons of drugs along with luxury assets.
Family-Run Money Laundering Network
The Treasury also targeted family members of Shock who facilitated money laundering through Costa Rica-based businesses. His wife, Estefania McDonald Rodriguez, and mother-in-law, Anita Yorleny McDonald Rodriguez, laundered proceeds through companies including ASOLIPES, 3-101-507688 SA, Celajes de York CDY SA, Magic Esthetic Salon SA, and Inversiones Laurita L&L SA.
Sanctions and Implications
Under Executive Order 14059, all property and interests of the designated individuals and entities in the U.S., or controlled by U.S. persons, are blocked. Entities owned 50 percent or more by blocked persons are also blocked. U.S. persons are prohibited from engaging in transactions involving these entities unless authorized by OFAC, and violations can carry civil or criminal penalties. Financial institutions and foreign persons may also face secondary sanctions for involvement.
OFAC emphasized that the goal of sanctions is to disrupt criminal networks and promote positive behavioral change, not solely to punish. The designations aim to curb cocaine trafficking, dismantle money laundering operations, and prevent further harm to Americans and communities affected by illegal drugs.
This action highlights Treasury’s continued commitment to combating the international cocaine trade and dismantling complex criminal networks operating in Costa Rica and beyond.
By BSB Staff