Cartel Leader Caught In London After Wife’s Social Media Posts Reveal Their Locations

A fugitive drug cartel leader wanted in the U.S. was arrested in London after authorities tracked his movements through social media posts made by his wife. Luis Grijalba, accused of orchestrating a large-scale cocaine operation from Costa Rica, was detained by British law enforcement near London Bridge after a tip from American agents monitoring his wife’s online activity.

Grijalba’s wife, Estefania McDonald Rodriguez, unknowingly provided critical information to authorities by sharing pictures of their luxurious vacations. Her posts showcased their trips to famous landmarks, including the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Rome’s Trevi Fountain, and gondola rides in Venice. These public updates allowed U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officials to trace their movements and coordinate with British authorities for the arrest.

Rodriguez’s social media following reached 21,000 before her accounts were deleted following Grijalba’s capture. Despite the fugitive’s careful efforts to avoid detection, his wife’s frequent online activity ultimately exposed their whereabouts. According to Costa Rican officials, she often traveled abroad and shared their experiences online, unaware that law enforcement agencies were tracking them.

Grijalba, also known as “Shock,” has been wanted on charges related to international drug trafficking and has survived multiple assassination attempts in Costa Rica. One attack resulted in seven of his associates being killed while he managed to escape. Authorities had been unable to apprehend him in Costa Rica due to legal barriers that prevent extradition, making his international travels a prime opportunity for capture.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) in the UK apprehended Grijalba during his visit to London for a New Year’s celebration with his wife. Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency confirmed the arrest and stated that extradition proceedings to the U.S. are now underway.

Costa Rica’s port city of Limon, where Grijalba is believed to have operated his cartel, has experienced rising violence attributed to warring drug factions. The region’s homicide rate has surged in recent years, making it one of the country’s most dangerous areas.

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