Costa Rica

Costa Rica Police Seize Capybaras After Vehicle Chase

Published MAY 23 2025

Story

Above: Capybaras at Hefei Wild Animal Park on July 24, 2024 in Hefei, Anhui Province of China. Image credit: Han Suyuan/Contributor/China News Service/VCG via Getty Images

The Facts

Costa Rican police reportedly seized five capybaras, crack cocaine, and marijuana after pursuing a fleeing vehicle during a routine checkpoint operation on Route 34 in Orotina on Thursday.
Diario Extra
News.com.au
The seized animals included one male, one female, and three capybara pups. Capybaras are semi-aquatic South American rodents related to guinea pigs that have gained popularity on social media platforms but are not native to Costa Rica.
Diario Extra
Newser
Their discovery marks the first documented case of illegal capybara trafficking in the country, which Public Security Minister Mario Zamora said in a statement "shows the concurrence where the drug world coincides with the introduction of non-native species."
ap
CBS News
The capybaras were transferred to the National System of Conservation Areas for veterinary evaluation, following which they will go to a sanctuary for environmental education and conservation programs since they cannot be released into Costa Rica's natural environment.
ap
Newser
Costa Rican police identified the two men they apprehended as Torres and Navarrete and said the pair had an extensive criminal history, with the former allegedly involved with drug dealing, human trafficking, sex crimes, and environmental offenses.
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Diario Extra
The recovery of the capybaras follows several wildlife and animal-related rescues carried out by Costa Rican authorities in the last few months, which included the raiding of a cockfight in April and the confiscation of 130 leatherback turtle eggs from nest plunderers in May.
Seguridadpublica
Seguridadpublica

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

The seizure of the capybaras by Costa Rican police demonstrates the importance of roadside checkpoints in preventing wildlife trafficking and tackling dangerous criminals. If not for routine stops, these animals would have been smuggled and put at risk in their captor's pursuit of profit. Now, the capybaras can transfer to a sanctuary, where they will live peacefully.

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Narrative B

While the capybaras are certainly noteworthy, the story goes beyond the animals that have dominated news coverage. Equally important is that Torres and Navarrete were ruthless criminals caught smuggling drugs and weapons. These are illicit trades that inflict harm on communities. Unfortunately, the capybaras' social media appeal makes for better ratings, overshadowing the serious criminal elements of this case.