A drug cartel leader wanted in the United States was arrested in the UK after his wife’s social media posts revealed their high-profile travels, leading investigators to track his movements.
Luis Grijalba, known as “Shock,” is accused of exporting cocaine from Costa Rica and was taken into custody by National Crime Agency (NCA) officers near London Bridge. The 43-year-old’s arrest came after U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents followed the Instagram posts of his wife, Estefania McDonald Rodriguez, documenting their lavish trips across Europe.
Grijalba, who had flown to London to celebrate New Year’s Eve with Estefania on a £16,000 holiday, was already under close surveillance by the DEA. The agents capitalized on his rare trip outside Costa Rica, a country that typically does not extradite its own citizens.
Social Media Trail Leads to Arrest
Estefania’s frequent travel posts provided vital clues for law enforcement. One photo showed the couple posing in front of the Eiffel Tower, while other posts documented visits to Colombia, luxury hotels, and beaches. These public updates made it easier for authorities to pinpoint their location.
Randall Zúñiga of Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency explained, “Grijalba is very cautious and usually travels separately from his wife. But her social media activity gave away their movements. The DEA had been monitoring them for months.”
After their stop in Paris, the couple traveled to the UK, where Estefania’s continued updates helped agents coordinate with NCA officers for Grijalba’s arrest.
Criminal Past and Extradition Fight
Grijalba, whose criminal record in Costa Rica includes links to drug trafficking but no open charges, has survived two assassination attempts, including one incident in which he hid behind a cherry tree as seven associates were killed.
Although Grijalba faces extradition to the United States for prosecution, he is contesting the process. He appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court the day after his arrest, and the case was adjourned until next month.
Costa Rican Attorney General Carlo Díaz emphasized the significance of the arrest: “This is an important capture for us. While we could not charge him locally, the DEA has worked to not only ensure he serves a criminal sentence but also to seize his assets, and we will collaborate fully.”
Escalating Drug Violence in Costa Rica
The arrest highlights the growing drug trade in Costa Rica, where drug-related murders have surged by 60% over the past decade. Limón province, where Grijalba operated, has been one of the hardest-hit areas.
An NCA spokesperson confirmed the arrest: “Luis Picado Grijalba, 43, was apprehended in the London Bridge area on December 29 and remanded into custody. Extradition proceedings are ongoing.”
